‘Don’t use my name’ - Manchester United star hits back at Cristiano Ronaldo claims

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes hit back at claims he dug out Cristiano Ronaldo after the club’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag’s side staged a stunning late turnaround after Jack Grealish nodded Manchester City in front. With 12 minutes remaining Fernandes scored a contentious leveller before Marcus Rashford tapped in a late winner to send the Stretford End into raptures.

Fernandes was quick to praise his team-mates after the win, which puts United to within one point of City, and six points from table toppers Arsenal.

The Portugal international said: "[We] used to be individuals, now we are a team. You can see a proper team that works for each other."

There has since been speculation that Fernandes was calling out his compatriot Ronaldo, who acrimoniously left United on the eve of the World Cup.

However, the United midfielder has since taken to social media to clarify his comments.

Fernandes hits out at Ronaldo claims

In an Instagram story, Fernandes hit out at people “using his name” to criticise Ronaldo.

On Saturday night the United skipper said: "I know that is difficult to see Manchester United doing well, [but I] don't have anything to [say] about us on the news apart [from] good things!

“Don't use my name to attack Cristiano.

Cristiano was part of our team for half the season and as I said in many interviews, everyone since Liverpool is being amazing and acting like a proper team and you can see the results. We carry on!'"

Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual consent following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which he was deeply critical of United boss ten Hag, the club’s controversial owners The Glazers, and his treatment since returning to Old Trafford.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has since signed a record-breaking two-year deal at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.

Man Utd title challenge?

The victory has seen United edge closer to league leaders Arsenal, though Mikel Arteta’s side could go eight points clear at the summit with a win against Tottenham in the North London Derby later today.

Erik ten Hag played down United's title chances (Alamy)

Despite United having propelled themselves to the upper echelons of the Premier League ten Hag was reluctant to entertain talk of a late title push.

The Dutchman said: "We have improved, that is obvious. There is still a long way to go but we have a lot of aspects in our game we have to improve but we are progressing.

"The fans may dream but we are not, we have to keep our feet on the ground and face that our game has a lot to improve. It can’t happen that after half-time we are losing so much control in the game."