Manchester United fans and players made their point with reaction to Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes' response

It felt telling that the first player serenaded by the fans in the Stretford End after Manchester United had emerged from the tunnel was Bruno Fernandes. The attacking midfielder has come in for some fierce criticism since Sunday but he was defended by Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford in the week and this was evidence of the high regard he's held in by supporters.

His first major contribution to the game came with the early goal but it was a result of what was actually a poor piece of play. His attempted cross was badly under-hit but the block fell to Rashford, who did the rest brilliantly.

He did earn his assist for Antony's goal, although in truth it was a simple pass and the goal owed more to a brilliant finish from the Brazilian. Fernandes did do well to keep battling for the ball in midfield, however, keeping possession for his time before shovelling it wide.

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That involvement lifted his game to another level. He won a corner when firing a dangerous ball across the box and converted it when heading Luke Shaw's delivery in. He slid across the turf with his hands over his ears and was met with chants of 'Bruno, Bruno' when he took them away. His teammates piled on after his initial celebration and were keen to share the moment.

For all the external criticism this week, it's clear the 28-year-old retains the backing of his manager and his teammates and in the final quarter you could tell the reaction to Sunday had had no adverse reaction to him. His tackle on Claudio Bravo was a little bit reckless but he didn't take a backward step when suggesting the goalkeeper was making a meal of it and then got involved in a confrontation with German Pezzella.