BRUNO FERNANDES issued a rallying call to his Manchester United team-mates after their win over Fulham.
And under-fire Marcus Rashford “was at the heart” of the dressing room – despite missing the game due to injury.
Our story comes days after we revealed how Erik Ten Hag has the backing of Sir Alex Ferguson, and that he is lobbying Manchester United officials to “stick with the Dutchman”.
Fernandes, 29, urged players to use the 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday to “turn the season around”.
And the demand was backed by team-mates including Rashford who has now resolved his differences with manager Ten Hag.
Our United source said: “Bruno was obviously buzzing after the game, but he wanted to make a point to his team-mates; they needed to use it as a turning point.
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“As captain, he stood up after the game and delivered a really strong rallying call to his fellow players.
“He said it was on all of them to build on the win and transform the season.
“Bruno has come in for a lot of criticism over recent weeks from fans and former players.
“But he is still respected by the players which is why they listened to what he had to say.
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“There was a really good feeling among the group afterwards and Marcus Rashford was at the heart of it.
“He’s had a difficult few days but all of that is in the past and a line has been drawn under what happened.
“Everyone wants to move on – and that starts with a win in Denmark tomorrow.”
Rashford drew the wrath of Ten Hag after celebrating his birthday at glitzy nightspot Chinawhite following the 3-0 derby hammering at the hands of Manchester City.
Ten Hag warned the forward it was “unacceptable” to go out partying straight after the humiliating derby defeat.
The Dutchman then benched him in United’s Carabao Cup game against Newcastle and left him out of the Fulham match due to injury.
And on Wednesday night, the Red Devils must continue their winning streak as they take on Copenhagen in a crunch Champions League tie.
In recent weeks, reports have claimed the United boss is on the brink of the sack following a run of disastrous results.
But Fergie – a key figure at Old Trafford – is 100 per cent behind the under-pressure Dutchman.
A source said: “Sir Alex has been very supportive of Erik since he arrived at the club, and that’s not changed in the last week.
“Everyone at the club is desperately disappointed at recent results, but Erik still retains the support of Sir Alex and many other senior figures at the club.
“Sir Alex has been impressed at the way Erik has dealt with some difficult decisions since arriving at the club.
“He thinks he’s shown the kind of character and mentality required to turn the club around – and he firmly believes Erik deserves time, like he got, to make a success of things at the club.”
“But even if the worse was to happen it’s very unlikely Ten Hag would be sacked.
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“Contrary to reports, there isn’t a short list being drawn up and there is no natural caretaker in mind who could step up and take over.
“The board are confident Erik will turn things around – and show he is the man for the job.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
