Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes takes swipe at club during message to David de Gea

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has taken a swipe at the 13-time Premier League champions as he posted a message of support to David de Gea. The Spanish goalkeeper confirmed his Old Trafford departure on Saturday following a 12-year stint at the club.

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2011 after legendary Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson stumped up £18.9million to acquire his services. The 32-year-old was a big hit with supporters during his time at Old Trafford and was named United’s player of the season no fewer than four times.

He helped the team win their 13th Premier League title in 2013, before starring as the north west giants went on to win the FA Cup, the Europa League and two League Cups with him between the posts.

United reportedly offered De Gea a new contract earlier this year but then withdrew it and decided to release him. And the ace penned an emotional message on Instagram to inform fans that his time at the club had come to an end.

Fernandes, who spent three-and-half years as De Gea’s team-mate at Old Trafford, was quick to pay tribute to the outgoing shot-stopper. And the Portugal star appeared to take aim at United in a series of posts on his own Instagram page for the way De Gea’s exit was handled.

“You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you bro,” Fernandes wrote. “You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories. You made history at the club and your name will not be forgotten, and no one can take that away from you.”

De Gea kept 190 clean sheets in 545 games for United but struggled for form during his last few years at the club. And on Saturday he wrote: “I just wanted to send this farewell message to all Manchester United supporters. I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years.

“We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride every time I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers. It’s been an unforgettable and successful period since I came here.

“I didn’t think from leaving Madrid as a young boy we would achieve what we did together. Now, it’s the right time to undertake a new challenge, to push myself again in new surroundings.”