Leao likes tweet criticising Pioli after being benched on AC Milan's defeat

AC Milan star Rafael Leao had 'liked' a tweet criticising manager Stefano Pioli for starting the forward on the bench in the reigning Italian champions 1-0 derby defeat to Inter Milan.

Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the Milan derby on Sunday, a result which condemned Pioli's side to a third consecutive Serie A defeat.

Pioli had opted to start Leao on the bench for the second consecutive match, with the Portuguese winger introduced as a 55th minute substitute in the defeat.

The AC Milan manager insisted post match that he 'would take the same choices' he made for the match.

A tweet criticised the comment made by Pioli, with a thumbs down included alongside a Gazzetta Dello Sport headline.

The post was initially 'liked' by Leao's account, which has been interpreted by some Milan fans as the star criticising the manger's decision.

The tweet has since been unliked by the forward.

Pressure has increased on Pioli with AC Milan having failed to win in their last five Serie A matches, including two draws and three defeats.

The loss to rivals Inter had come after an embarrassing 4-0 away defeat to Lazio and 5-2 home thrashing against Sassuolo.

The results have seen the Rossoneri slip to sixth in Serie A.

AC Milan are 18 points adrift of runaway leaders Napoli, while they are one point off the Champions League places.

Leao's future at the club has continued to be the subject of speculation, amid a stalemate in contract negotiations.

AC Milan last week released a statement denying contract talks with the 23-year-old had collapsed, insisting that talks between the club and his representatives remain professional.

Leao also rejected claims last month that he had demanded wages of £8.8million-a-year to extend his contract, which expires in 2024.

The Portuguese forward has emerged as one of Europe's hottest talents after a strong 18 months with the Rossoneri, including contributing 11 goals and 10 assists in their title winning campaign last year.

Leao has scored eight goals and provided six assists in 20 Serie A matches this season.

His performances have led to the star being linked to Premier League clubs including defending champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.