Florian Wirtz has already enraged Man Utd fans ahead of Liverpool transfer

Liverpool's main summer transfer target Florian Wirtz has already riled up Manchester United fans after a heated clash with Bruno Fernandes during Wednesday's match.

The pair were facing each other in the UEFA Nations League semi-final between Germany and Portugal. German international Wirtz is expected to join Premier League champions Liverpool for a club-record fee in the coming weeks, but he has already angered rival fans.

And with Fernandes confirming he will stay at Manchester United, rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, the attacking midfielders look increasingly likely to face each other for their respective clubs next season.

But Wednesday offered a glimpse of what to expect from the two players.

With Fernandes sliding in to steal the ball off the German, Wirtz's right boot caught the United midfielder's right ankle.

United fans would have feared the worst as he lay on the ground receiving treatment, but he recovered to play the full 90 minutes.

Wirtz gave Germany the advantage shortly after half-time but Portugal responded 15 minutes later through Chico Conceicao.

And Fernandes had the last laugh as Cristiano Ronaldo scored to send them through to the final of the UEFA Nations League.

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How did United fans react?

Plenty of Manchester United supporters were fuming with Wirtz after the challenge on Fernandes, with many taking to X to let out their frustrations.

Some fans warned the the 22-year-old German international about the treatment he will receive from Fernandes' United teammates at Old Trafford next season

@ArkitectOfChaos said: "Let's see how Wirtz feels when Cas and Ugarte tag team him when he comes to OT."

Those feelings were echoed by @Fanti_NK, who wrote: "Uncle Case we have a target for you next season."

Other United fans were more concerned about a potential injury to their captain, believing Wirtz should have been punished for the tackle.

@K_Kvarats posted: "not penalized, big joke this referee," while @Lollll46182032 wrote "Not even a yellow smh."

@amapro4real added: "A yellow card should would have given!!"

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While Wirtz did score for his country, not all United fans were impressed by his performance, especially amidst reports that Liverpool offered Bayer Leverkusen £105m for his services, earlier this week.

@shwet2007 said: "He got schooled all game by Bruno. Disappeared in the 2nd half completely. Go spend 130 Liverpool."

@ShadrachRotimi was also unimpressed: "If I were Liverpool, I’d be double-checking the scouting report on Wirtz — man’s playing hide and seek in tonight's game."