Barcelona manager Xavi called Bruno Fernandes ‘the Portuguese guy’ ahead of the Europa League clash with Man United.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes appeared to aim a subtle dig at Barcelona manager Xavi as he celebrated the Reds’ Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle.

Erik ten Hag’s men cruised to a 2-0 win over Eddie Howe’s side at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford scoring in the victory. The second goal in the final was initially ruled as a Sven Botman own goal, but it was later given to Rashford, with his shot adjudged to have been on target.

For many United players, the Carabao Cup triumph was their first trophy with the club – meaning they were keen to celebrate the Reds’ first piece of silverware since 2017. It also provided Fernandes with an opportunity to respond to comments from Xavi made ahead of Barcelona and United’s Europa League play-off clash.

In the build-up to the tie – which the Reds won 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the knockout stages – Xavi rereferred to Fernandes as the ‘Portuguese guy’. When he was asked about Ten Hag, the Barcelona boss told The Times: “He is very good, I like him a lot. He has built a team and is getting the best out of all his players. That speaks well of him. Tactically he is very good and he handles the dressing room very well.

“He is getting all the talent out of his players. You see [Jadon] Sancho, [Marcus] Rashford, the Portuguese guy [Bruno Fernandes]. And look how Fred is playing.”

After the Carabao Cup final win over Newcastle, Fernandes appeared to mock Xavi’s comments while posing for a photo with Diogo Dalot. “The Portuguese guys,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside a bicep emoji.

United also had some fun at Xavi’s expense, with the Reds’ official Twitter account poking fun at the Barcelona chief following Ten Hag’s side’s 2-1 second-leg victory.

“THE PORTUGUESE GUY,” read the caption.

Fernandes grabbed an assist against the Catalan giants at Old Trafford, and the midfielder also captained the side against Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.

Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk