Bruno Fernandes was on the losing side in what could be his farewell appearance for Sporting Lisbon ahead of a proposed move to Manchester United .
Sporting Lisbon were beaten 2-0 by Benfica in their derby with Rafa scoring twice late on for the visitors.
United agreed personal terms with the Portuguese midfielder earlier this week but Sporting were determined for him to be involved against Benfica.
Fernandes is understood to have been offered a five-year deal, with the option for an extra year, worth around £150,000-a-week.
United were hopeful of concluding the transfer this weekend after super-agent Jorge Mendes was in the stands for the FA Cup replay with Wolves .
But reports in Portugal have suggested the two clubs are still haggling over the transfer fee, with Sporting demanding closer to £55m up front.
It has been suggested Fernandes will now fly to the UK for the deal to be finalised and could even be in the stands at Anfield on Sunday for Manchester United's encounter with Liverpool .
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was asked about the proposed transfer during his press conference on Friday.
"I can’t tell you about any players that play for other teams, no," Solskjaer said.
"We’re focussing on this team at the moment."
During the clash with Benfica, Fernandes was on the receiving end of some rough treatment.
Several Benfica players were booked for late challenges on the midfielder with Chiquinho shown a yellow card for treading on his ankle.
Fernandes was able to see out the match though as Benfica went 19 points clear of their rivals thanks to two late strikes from Rafa.
