‘We play for a big club’ – Fernandes adamant no one ‘hides’ from Manchester United’s history as they beat Newcastle 3-2

After back-to-back defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Manchester United finally got back to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Newcastle, which leaves the two teams tied on points in the battle for seventh in the Premier League.

Realistically, finishing sixth looks to be beyond Man United with Chelsea winning against Brighton – but nonetheless, it was a heartening performance with the team’s real battle being that FA Cup Final at Wembley, their last and only chance of silverware this season.

With manager Erik ten Hag under huge pressure after a disappointing campaign, his players often underperforming and a season marred by key injuries, this victory at least gave the fans something to cheer for – with boos the more often heard soundtrack at Old Trafford this season.

“It’s been a tough season, the table shows that, we are aware of that. The fans have been amazing, they have been behind us, supporting us,” said Bruno Fernandes afterwards.

“We want to do better, we want to do differently. They have been amazing for us, and we had to do something for them. We have been trying, the results don’t show that, we’ve been trying our best, everyone is working hard.

“It hasn’t been enough, we are aware we have to do more. There are two games to go and we have to finish in the best way.”

 

Fernandes was all over the park for the entire match, chasing back, tackling hard and putting in a top drawer performance, all the while marshalling his troops and keeping things tight when Newcastle threatened a comeback.

But he was swift to pay tribute to his team-mates – saying that a captain’s performance “doesn’t exist”.

“It’s just a team performance, a player that has to do their best for the team and I am no different because I wear the armband," he added. "The armband doesn’t give you the responsibility of doing a better performance.

“I try always my best, and I know my team mates always try their best, we always do the best we can for the club. No one hides that we play for a big club and we have to lift our standards every game.”

Those boos did return briefly to Old Trafford when Ten Hag grabbed a microphone and addressed the crowd directly with his players surrounding him on the pitch, having been applauding their fans.

But they soon died down and were replaced with cheers as the Dutchman spoke with true passion, his emotion clearly on display.

“On behalf of the players, the club and myself, I want to thank you all for your brilliant support throughout the season," he said. "As you know, it wasn’t an easy season but one thing remained constant and that was the backing of you for the team.

“The season is not over yet, first we travel to Brighton where we go for three points and then we go for Wembley. And I promise you that these players will give everything to win the cup and bring it to Old Trafford. And we are sure you will be there supporting us, we thank you, you are the best supporters in the world.”

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