Eli Manning has a way of getting his point across when he wants to make sure his message is received. He does it subtly and usually craftily.

Manning was at it again on Thursday following the Giants’ first practice of training camp. Sure, he was aware what former teammate Odell Beckham Jr. said about how he was responsible for maintaining the franchise brand amid all the losing. No, Manning did not put much stock in what Beckham had to say.

“I don’t think they bothered me,’’ Manning said on NFL Network. “You just kind of shake your head and laugh. I won a few games before he was here.’’

Beckham in a cover story in GQ Magazine said he was the reason why the Giants, despite their losing record, were still sought after to play in prime-time games. “People want to see the show,’’ Beckham said. “You want to see me play. Let’s just be real. That’s why we were still getting prime-time games.’’

As Saquon Barkley completed his first training camp practice of Year 2 with the Giants, he heard something he had never heard before. A chant of “MVP’’ came down from the bleachers Thursday.

“That’s a first,’’ Barkley said. “I have never really heard that chant before. I’m just grateful for the fans who come out and show support. It’s just fun being out there and playing football again. Obviously, you get to interact with the fans and sign stuff for them, especially the little kids. The MVP chants, that’s cool and all, but I was just more happy to be out there with my teammates and kick the season off.’’

Barkley was asked if it is possible for him to win the most valuable player award.

“Yeah, I think anything is possible,’’ he said. “I am a big believer in that, but my mindset is not just that trophy. Obviously, I am not going to sit here and say, ‘I don’t want to win the MVP,’ or ‘I don’t want to win this or win that.’ But I am a big believer. I take care of the little things and focus on team first. It’s a team-first mentality, and all of the individual awards will take care of themselves.’’

Coach Pat Shurmur worked with RT Mike Remmers with the Vikings and says “Remmers looks as good as he’s looked.’’ Remmers underwent back surgery in the offseason but is full-go in camp as he took his place at right tackle with the starting offensive line. He is expected to stay there, with last year’s starter, Chad Wheeler, filling a reserve role. “I think we’re going to put the best player [out there],’’ Shurmur said. “You’ll see [Remmers] with the first team. But again, we’re going to play the best player.’’

CB Antonio Hamilton, a special teams player looking to expand his role on defense, got his teammates fired up when he forced a fumble on RB Rod Smith for a “scoop-and-score’’ touchdown.’’

LB Lorenzo Carter had a beastly first practice. He got past Saquon Barkley on a screen-pass play gone awry and leaped into the backfield to intercept an Eli Manning pass, turning it into a touchdown return. Barkley messed up the block on the play, but Carter deserves credit for the length and athletic ability he put on display. Carter also chased down a wide receiver, a display of his speed.

WR Bennie Fowler did everything right as he sped past S Michael Thomas on a deep route, and did everything wrong as he failed to secure the ball as it fell into his hands for a drop that prompted groans from the crowd. There is loads of competition among the wide receivers and Fowler needs to hold onto these passes.

During the blitz period, G Kevin Zeitler slapped his hip as a way to signal a blocking change to OT Mike Remmers. The two newcomers on the right side of the offensive line never lined up next to each other before in an NFL training camp, but it is clear they are veterans who can handle the mental aspects of the game.

Rookie QB Daniel Jones struggled at the start of his first NFL training camp practice, at times looking hurried as the defense closed in on him and failing to connect on his first six passes — though his best pass was dropped. Jones went on to complete six of his last eight passes, looking sharper the longer the session went.

WR Sterling Shepard fractured his left thumb reaching down to make a catch and will miss several weeks. … S Jabrill Peppers left practice early with cramps.