Bruno Fernandes sends emotional message to fans after Bayern Munich defeat and issues demand to struggling Man United players as he singles out two superstars for praise

Bruno Fernandes sends emotional message to fans after Bayern Munich defeat and issues demand to struggling Man United players as he singles out two superstars for praise

Bruno Fernandes has called on his Manchester United team-mates to show more ‘fighting spirit’ as they bid to end their start-of-season slump.

The United skipper says he was encouraged by certain aspects of the performance in Munich but admitted they need greater intensity for longer periods of time.

After the 4-3 defeat to Bayern, Fernandes said: “The positive is that the spirit, the fighting spirit, was there. We tried.

“It wasn’t still enough to win the game, or to get something from the game, but at periods, the team showed great spirit. But we have to do it more often and for 90 minutes.”

Erik ten Hag was without 12 players for the loss in Germany but his captain refused to use that as an excuse for the latest reverse in a miserable short spell of form for United. Fernandes went on: “Obviously, we want to have everyone back because we know that as many players we have available, the team will be stronger.

“And obviously more options for the manager to do his choices and whatever his tactics, the first 11 or whatever he picks. But obviously, still, we have the players and we have enough experience and enough talent in the team to get through this moment.

“We know it’s tough but I think the team has enough players to get a response. I think what everyone has to do is to do their own job and look at themselves first. That’s what I do as a player, not as a captain – as a person.”

And although Bayern missed a host of chances and hit the post twice, Fernandes took encouragement from running the German champions so close. He said: “I think no-one would expect us to come into Bayern and score three goals.

“It wasn’t enough but we were not playing against some bad team – we were playing one of the best teams in the world, with great players, with great qualities. Obviously it’s not the best moment for us but we will get through this and we will get the results back.”

Fernandes also insisted that Andre Onana would be a great asset for Ten Hag’s side, saying: “Andre is a great goalkeeper. He will keep giving us a lot of points, a lot of saves. He hasn’t to take any blame.

We have to take the blame as a team. We’re going to go through this moment together because we are strong as a team.”

With Antony and Jason Sancho unavailable, Fernandes was encouraged by the contribution from 21-year-old Facundo Pellistri after the Uruguayan winger made his first start of the season for United.

Fernandes said: “Pellistri is one of the players that deserves his chances. He deserves a lot of credit for everything he’s been through and everything he has done for the team.

“He’s always available, he’s someone that’s always training hard, he’s someone that deserves his chances and he did well.

“He did the job that the manager asked him to do and we are all happy for him because he really deserves to get his chances.”