Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde rules out Neymar joining Manchester United despite Jose Mourinho embrace

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has dismissed speculation that Neymar could join Manchester United this summer.

The 25-year-old fueled rumours that he could join the Red Devils when he was seen embracing Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho in the tunnel after Barcelona’s 1-0 win against United in Washington last night.

The Brazilian, who has been heavily linked with a world record move to Paris Saint-Germain, scored the only goal of the game as Barcelona ran out winners on the east coast.

Valverde, though, insists Neymar’s actions were innocent and there is no update on the forward’s future at the Camp Nou.

‘The news on Neymar is that he is very happy talking to his Manchester friends,’ said Valverde.

‘There is no further news, except that he is still with us, which for us is very good.

‘We are very happy with the result against Manchester United.’

Mourinho also played down speculation after the match by insisting it would be hard for his side to prise a talent such as Neymar away from Barcelona.

‘I don’t know where Neymar will play next season,’ said Mourinho.

‘As a coach of a rival team, I can only say it’s a pleasure to watch him play

‘With [Lionel] Messi and Neymar, there is only one.

‘So they can only play for one club and not two. We cannot have them. They belong to the clubs.’