Eric Bailly revealed his Instagram account was hacked in an explanation for some bizarre activity, which saw him 'like' negative posts about Manchester United teammates.
Screenshots appeared on social media of Bailly's account 'ericbailly24' apparently liking derogatory comments about Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba.
It prompted speculation about a potential rift between Bailly and the two United stars and fuelled rumours that the defender could leave Old Trafford this summer.
But Bailly has since explained: "I just want to confirm that my account has been hacked and the Instagram likes some of the media are stating I made were not made by me.
"My brothers @PaulPogba and @MarcusRashford know how highly I think of them."
The explanation will come as music to the ears of United fans, many of whom have been concerned about the dressing room mentality after the Reds finished the season with just two wins in 12, failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Pogba has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Bailly to Arsenal and Lyon — although MEN Sport understands the Ivorian is keen to remain at Old Trafford and focussed on recovering from injury to fight for his first team place.
Bailly, 25, featured in just 18 games in all competitions for United last season, his last appearance coming in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on April 28. The centre-back suffered a medial ligament injury on his right knee during that game and was taken off on a stretcher, ruling him out of Ivory Coast's African Cup of Nations campaign.
