Bruno Fernandes has backed Manchester United to get through another “difficult situation” and keep alive their Champions League campaign when they face Galatasaray in a crucial match on Wednesday.
United face an uphill task to progress through to the last 16 having lost three of their first four matches to sit bottom of the group.
The Premier League club have lost away to Bayern Munich and Copenhagen and at home to Galatasaray, meaning another defeat in Istanbul would end their Champions League dreams with a match to spare.
“In the group, the feeling is that we have to win both games we have ahead to hope to go through,” United captain Fernandes said. “We know that’s going to be tough, but we have to think that we can do it because we have done it in the past in difficult situations.
“We get through some difficult periods, so we just have to do it again.”
Asked about the boost that United will get having won 3-0 at Everton before heading out to Turkey, Fernandes said: “We always feel confident because we know the qualities we have on the team.
“Obviously sometimes you don’t get the results you want but we feel confident because we have confidence in the team we have, in the players we have, in the process we are (going) through.
“We know that it’s already the second year with this manager, so some of the things have to be better and we have to improve that on the road to win games.”
United lost to Galatasaray 3-2 in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford last month and now face one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe – something Fernandes believes will help his team's performance rather than hinder it.
“We prepare for that,” the Portugal international said. “I think when you are a kid you want to play in this kind of atmosphere.
“You know that Galatasaray away is going to be great, is going to be an amazing atmosphere. I think, me as a player I love playing (in these) kind of stadiums because it’s a big boost for you.
Man United ratings v Everton
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MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS: Faced 24 shots (United had 9) and was sure-handed amid the pressure and protests from Evertonians. Twice saved from Calvert Lewin, the second from a free header. Superbly tipped a Gueye shot over on 57. EPA -
Back after a lengthy injury and United were better for his presence. His drives forward were effective in a first league win by more than a single goal this season. Getty Images -
Another sound game under heavy Everton pressure. Advanced at the start of the second half. Used any part of his body to help his side. His mojo is back. Getty Images -
Excellent dealing with Everton’s high crosses, but found it difficult to deal with Calvert-Lewin. More touches than any other United player. Reuters -
Super cross back towards Garnacho to set up the first goal. Poor positioning to play Calvert Lewin onside after nine minutes. Good block from Dacoure on 69. Best game for a while. AFP -
Booked after 24 as United were put under intense Everton pressure. Shot over on 47 as United started the second half far better than they finished the first. Getty Images -
A first Premier League start for the 18-year-old midfielder. Calm, neat, skillful and he cleared an effort off the line with the outside of his boot. Sublime pass down the line to Fernandes on 63. Outstanding debut and was rightly applauded off by his teammates. EPA -
His pass split Everton’s defence to set up Martial for the third. Sprinting until the end as United pressed for a fourth. Pure energy. Selfless in giving the penalty to Rashford. Getty Images -
On the right and scored one of football’s great overhead kicks, while moving away from goal, to put his side ahead in the third minute. Huge moment. Also defended well. Smashed by Young in a yellow card tackle. Serenaded with ‘Viva Garnacho’ chants. AP -
On the left and worked well before the first goal. Dispossessed after 32, leading to an Everton attack in a quiet first half for him. Smashed a 56th-minute penalty past Pickford. EPA -
United’s lone striker, he struggled to get into the game in the first half. Won a penalty having been fouled by former teammate Young. Composed when one on one with Pickford to make it 3-0. First goal of the season. A beautiful finish. He enjoyed that. EPA -
SUBS: (Garnacho 72'). Involved in the third goal and a busy, productive 20 minutes on the right. Getty Images -
(Mainoo 72'). The Moroccan midfielder came on to steady things up. PA -
(Shaw 76') Splendid tackle on Danjuma, a player who troubled United greatly when playing for Villarreal in the Champions League two years ago. Getty Images -
(Martial 84') Fouled in a yellow card challenge by Gueye. Reuters
“I know it’s going to come against you, but it has to be a big boost playing in stadiums with a crowd like that. We’re pretty sure that our away fans will really give us something too.”
United will need to dig deep and stick together if they are to leave Istanbul with the victory they require.
Beyond the difficulties presented by the host team and fans, Ten Hag’s side will also be without the suspended Marcus Rashford and a string of first-team players in Istanbul.
“The other ones have to step [up],” Fernandes said. “They have to, like Kobbie [Mainoo] did [at Everton]. Everyone else that gets the chance, they have to make a big step and make a statement to be in the squad.”
