Bruno Fernandes sends ‘battle’ message to Man Utd followers after worst-ever standing confirmed

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has ordered Ruben Amorim’s flops to give long-suffering supporters something to smile about at Old Trafford

Bruno Fernandes has vowed Manchester United will bounce back from their mauling at Newcastle.

The Red Devils captain is convinced United will book a place in the Europa League semi finals. Ruben Amorim’s side welcome Lyon to Old Trafford on Thursday with their last-eight tie finely balanced following last week’s 2-2 draw in France.

United will be smarting from Sunday’s 4-1 drubbing at St James’ Park, which saw them collapse in the second half after an error-strewn performance. But Fernandes has told supporters his team will hit back with a performance of fight and courage.

He said: “We will fight back on Thursday. We will fight back and we will put everything back on the pitch that we have to do.

“From tomorrow on, we are going to put our heads on to the game, fresh legs, fresh minds and together with the fans, we are going to do something special again.”

The 30-year-old midfielder admits he understands the fans’ frustration, and wants to give them something to smile about.

He added: “They have always been by our side, so it’s time for us to pay back, and I’m pretty sure this team is aware of that.

“We are very aware of what the fans have been doing for us, how much they care about the club, how much they care about the players.

“I know sometimes frustration gets into them, but that’s normal. As it gets into me on the pitch, it’s normal to get into the fans in the stands, and everyone is very aware of what we have to do on Thursday.

“It’s going to be a big game for us, it’s going to be a big game for the club. It’s going to be a big game for Lyon too, but we have to be at the level.”

Amorim’s United were confirmed as the worst team in the club’s Premier League history on Sunday.

Their 14th loss of the season at Newcastle – equalling last season’s record number of defeats – means they cannot reach 58 points, which was their lowest ever tally from three seasons ago.

Alejandro Garnacho managed to cancel out Sandro Tonali’s opening goal for the hosts, but United were demolished in the second half, thanks to two goals from Harvey Barnes.

Calamity keeper Andre Onana was dropped for the clash, but his stand-in Altay Bayindir then gifted a fourth goal to Bruno Guimaraes.