There has been growing tension between Fulham's players and coaching staff in recent weeks.

The Daily Mail says Brede Hangeland and former manager Rene Meulensteen were involved in spectacular row after the central defender was axed from the team who drew 2-2 at Manchester United.

Hangeland paid the price for a diabolical performance in the 1-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round on February 4.

Meulensteen decided to drop him for the trip to Old Trafford and replaced him with rookie centre half Dan Burn.

Hangeland was livid with the decision and although he was named as a substitute, he was involved in a heated confrontation with the club's head coach following the decision.

Right back Sascha Riether, who signed for the club permanently in the summer following a successful season long loan spell, was also involved in a training ground bust-up with midfielder Scott Parker in the head coach's final days in charge.

It's understood that a row between the pair escalated over a training ground tackle, but it did not result in a physical confrontation.

Despite the obvious problems on the field, Fulham's players liked Meulensteen and had respect for his attempts to change the culture of the club.