Bernardo Silva sends message to Man Utd fans fuming with challenge on Alejandro Garnacho

Bernardo Silva has copped criticism from Manchester United fans after clashing with Alejandro Garnacho before scoring in the Community Shield.

Manchester City won the season's curtain raiser at Wembley with Silva coming off the bench to head home an 89th minute winner. Just moments before that he clattered into Garnacho, who had scored the opener for the Red Devils.

Bernardo made no apology for his actions, happily accepting his yellow as he underlined a desire to show some more fight. He said: “I knew I would get a yellow card, but I’m happy with my yellow card. At that time we were losing. We needed to restart the game and them delaying the game, I don’t like that.”

The City star was heading to close down the Argentine and, even though he had completed his pass, Bernardo came running in and effectively shoulder charged the United man, willingly copping his yellow, but the Red Devils faithful were left fuming by his actions.

One said: "Absolutely no need for that and also nothing to be proud of he's literally half his age". Another added: "30 year old man trying to hurt a kid, embarrassing behaviour". One fan said the Portuguese star was "Lucky to stay on tbh".

Despite scoring the equaliser Bernardo missed in the penalty shootout. He stepped up first but saw his effort saved by Andre Onana. It is the second time he's missed in a shootout over the past few months, seeing his shot saved in City's Champions League loss to Real Madrid.

Jonny Evans missed the crucial shootout spot kick at Wembley as he hammered his effort high and wide. It presented Manuel Akanji with the chance to land the trophy for City, who won the tournament for the first time since 2020.

Former City skipper Andy Morrison hailed Bernardo's impact and his personality: “He may be only 5ft 6in tall, but I love every inch of him. It’s not just the football, it’s the personality of the players that creates champions and we have them throughout our team and Bernardo sums that up. He’s come onto the pitch and the first thing he does is rile up the players as he is shouting and screaming at them.

“Bernardo then goes and rattles Garnacho as if to say: ‘I’m not here for your show. I’m here to win.’ Of course, he then goes and scores the late equaliser. The personality is what produces champions… not just the football. We are very fortunate in that we could name player after player who have that quality but he really sums it up."

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