Bruno Fernandes has approved a plan for Manchester United’s important Europa League clash against Lyon later this week.
Manchester United have their most important game of the season on Thursday evening in the second-leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.
The Reds should be entering the game with an advantage but mistakes from André Onana last week in France led to a 2-2 draw in the first-leg of the tie.
Things could be better heading into this Old Trafford clash – United have not won since they returned to action from the latest international break and that needs to change.
Ruben Amorim and his squad will feel like the main advantage they have is the home crowd. Despite the Portuguese head coach’s record at the Theatre of Dreams being rocky, there is no doubt they will be behind the team for this game.
Fernandes approves United’s plans for Europa League
United are planning to try and build the atmosphere even more for Thursday’s game by introducing a first-ever Tifo banner to go across the Sir Alex Ferguson stand before kick-off.
The club have confirmed that after working with fan representatives on the design of the banner, captain Bruno Fernandes was asked to give his approval of the idea before the game.
It was also explained that the exact design for the Tifo is being kept a secret until matchday to keep the the element of surprise and
A club statement read: “To enhance the atmosphere and inspire our team, a first-ever ‘tifo’ banner will be unveiled in front of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.
“The club worked with fan representatives on the idea and image. It was then shared with Bruno Fernandes to get the captain’s seal of approval.
“The ‘tifo’ will be raised from the ground to the roof, in front of the halfway line, creating a spectacular moment ahead of kick-off in M16.”
Fernandes sends eight-word Lyon message
United will need every bit of help possible to get over the line against Lyon and they will be hoping that maximising the Old Trafford atmosphere will be a big part of that.
But in order to do that, a Tifo will not be enough. The supporters get inspiration from seeing players fighting and providing quality on the pitch. A good start for the Reds is essential.
It will be both the players and the fans who are able to push for it to be a special night at Old Trafford and Fernandes knows that.
The United captain took to Instagram this week to send a simple eight-word message echoing that. “Old Trafford we going to make it together,” he wrote.
United’s season will be all-but-over if they lose this tie and Amorim’s side simply cannot afford for that to happen.
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