"Very deliberate..." - Journalist reveals what he spotted the crowd do during Man Utd's win over Real Betis

Manchester United fans showed a “very deliberate” message of support to Bruno Fernandes during the club’s win over Real Betis.

Erik ten Hag’s side bounced back from Sunday’s demolition at Liverpool to comprehensively beat Betis 4-1 in a first-leg Europa League last-16 tie.

United did struggle at times against La Liga’s fifth-placed side with Ayoze Perez cancelling out Marcus Rashford’s opener.

However, Antony restored United’s advantage with a brilliant curling effort from distance, before Fernandes powered in a header from a corner and Wout Weghorst added a fourth after fine work from substitute Facundo Pallestri.

Ten Hag's side will travel to Spain next Thursday in pole position to reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

Message to Fernandes

Fernandes had taken the brunt of huge criticism heaped on United following their record 7-0 Premier League humiliation at Liverpool.

The Portugal international was captain as the Old Trafford club suffered their worst defeat since Boxing Day 1931.

Indeed in the aftermath, Fernandes' suitability as captain was questioned with Casemiro tipped to take over the armband from if Harry Maguire was not on the field.

Despite much speculation, the 28-year-old led out the side for their crucial Europa League tie and was shown a message of support from the United faithful.

Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst tweeted: “Very deliberate that Fernandes is the first player to be serenaded by those in the singing section.

“Clear backing for a player who has led well for most of the season.”

Fernandes repaid the supporters’ faith with an outstanding contribution to a much-needed win, even netting his eighth goal of the season in the 58th minute.

"He was the best player on the pitch," said Ten Hag after the game.

"He played a little deeper role and he was brilliant, making the game from the back position, with a lot of good passes in between the lines. From there we created a lot of chances."