Manchester United are away from the losing streak? Check details

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has urged fans not to lower their expectations, despite the club’s ongoing struggles this season, particularly at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have faced significant challenges, with their home form being a particular concern. On Thursday, Fernandes delivered a crucial stoppage-time winner to help United secure a 2-1 victory over an under-strength Rangers side, bringing them closer to qualifying directly for the Europa League last 16. The victory was important for United after a series of disappointing results, including losing four of their previous five home matches, which has put immense pressure on the team. Manager Ruben Amorim, who only joined the club in November, voiced his frustrations by declaring that his side was "the worst" in the club’s history, further intensifying the mood around Old Trafford.

Despite these challenges, Fernandes remains steadfast in his belief that the club’s fans should not lower their expectations. The Portuguese midfielder, who has been a standout performer for United in recent years, emphasized that the team must focus on maintaining high standards and turning their fortunes around. With United still fighting for a place in Europe’s elite competition and struggling domestically, the next few months will be crucial for both the players and the management in rebuilding confidence and form.

"At this club, you need to win every game, you know that if you don't win games here it is going to be difficult, there are going to be tough moments. This is a massive club that is used to winning games. I hope that our fans never get used to losing games, even in this tough experience. I want them to feel like this team has to win every game," Fernandes said in a recent interview. 

A point away against Romanian side FCSB next week would likely be enough for Manchester United to secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League and avoid the playoff round. With the current state of affairs, this result would provide a crucial boost for the team as they aim to progress without further complications. Manager Ruben Amorim has been under pressure to guide the team to direct qualification for the last 16, which would give him valuable time on the training ground to implement his tactical ideas. Amorim’s primary objective is to stabilize the squad and get them performing at a higher level, and advancing to the knockout rounds without the need for additional playoff matches would be a much-needed relief.

However, captain Bruno Fernandes has more ambitious goals for the season. He isn’t just focused on securing qualification, but is determined to go all the way and win the Europa League. Fernandes has set his sights on lifting the trophy in Bilbao come May, a clear indication of his belief in the squad's potential and his refusal to settle for anything less than glory. For United, the path to European success remains wide open, but they must overcome their domestic struggles to realize their ambitions.