JESSE LINGARD denied he was a target of ‘abuse’ by frustrated Manchester United fans while warming-up against Liverpool.
Lingard was an unused substitute at Old Trafford and could only watch as his side were humiliated 5-0.
Footage on social media emerged of the midfielder appearing to respond to a supporter by saying ‘I’m not on the pitch.’
But Lingard himself took to Twitter to reveal what was actually said.
He tweeted: “It wasnt abuse! he said “work harder” like im not already doing that day in day out! and i said “im not even on the pitch” end of!!”
United were 4-0 down by half-time but things soon got worse for them.
Mohamed Salah completed his hat-trick five minutes after the break, adding to goals from Naby Keita and Diego Jota.
Cristiano Ronaldo then had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside while substitute Paul Pogba was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Keita.
The result puts Liverpool one point behind leaders Chelsea, meanwhile United drop to seventh, without a league win in four games.
Pressure has increased further on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had hit ‘rock bottom.’
He told Sky Sports after the defeat: “It is not easy to say something. It is the darkest day I have had leading these players.
“This is the worst feeling, we feel rock bottom. This is the lowest we have been. I cannot say I have felt any worse.
“But I accept responsibility. That is mine today and mine going forward.”
