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Report: United players unhappy after Super League bombshell

MARTIN RICKETT / AFP / Getty

Manchester United's involvement in the new European Super League was just as much of a shock to players as it was to supporters, according to Laurie Whitwell and other contributors from The Athletic.

"The boys aren't happy," a source close to the players said. "They feel exposed by the club, uninformed, and as though the club didn't bother to fill them in or consult the players over career-influencing changes."

Those involved with other impacted Premier League sides revealed similar concerns. An Arsenal insider told The Athletic the team's players were also angry over a lack of communication from club officials.

Additionally, one footballer from a top-six side expressed concern over UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin's threat that players who compete in the Super League risk being banned from continental and international tournaments.

Manchester United announced Sunday night that they, along with 11 other teams, intend to participate in the breakaway competition, which would rival UEFA's Champions League.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly told manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of the team's involvement just before kick-off Sunday against Burnley, The Athletic adds.

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes appeared to speak out against the European Super League in an Instagram post Monday, saying, "Dreams can't be (bought)."

Meanwhile, Manchester United supporters gathered outside of Old Trafford on Monday to express their opposition to the controversial plan:

United and Arsenal are two of six English teams involved in the Super League, along with Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.

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