Fernandes made sure the child was guarded against the minus-one temperature
Amorim will be hopeful United's trip to Czechia will help automatic qualification
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By TAMARA PRENN
Published: 13:47 EST, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 13:47 EST, 12 December 2024
Bruno Fernandes made a touching gesture towards the mascot that accompanied him onto the pitch ahead of Manchester United's clash with Viktoria Plzen when he handed the youngster his jacket before kick-off.
Ruben Amorim's side have travelled to Czechia for the Europa League Clash where they will hope to secure their third win in three in Europe against the Czech First Lead outfit.
At Plzen's Doosan Arena, temperatures are currently minus one, with United stepping onto the field ahead of their tie in jackets to ward off the freezing temperatures.
But noticing the mascot that walked out with him was likely suffering even more, the Man United captain offered the child his jacket as they stood for the Europa League anthem.
His fellow mascot looked suitably impressed by Fernandes' decision, as he looked on with envy as the boy received the piece of United kit.
Fernandes is the latest star to pull off the thoughtful gesture, with Jude Bellingham hitting the headlines for similar selflessness ahead of England's tie with Belgium in March.
Bruno Fernandes made sure that his mascot was guarded from the freezing temperatures
The Red Devils captain handed the child his jacket ahead of kick-off against Viktoria Plzen
Ruben Amorim will hope that his captain can play a role in helping secure a berth in the final 16
On that occasion, the Real Madrid star used his tracksuit top to help shield a mascot using a wheelchair from the driving Wembley rain.
Fernandes was one of a handful of Man United stars who were given the opportunity to redeem themselves after defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Amorim rang the changes as he swapped five new players into his starting XI in Czechia on Thursday evening, with Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui returning to defence, Casemiro back in midfield, and Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee starting after Old Trafford cameos.
The Portuguese head coach was keen to stress the importance of a win on the road in a bid to avoid cluttering an already overstuffed schedule with play-off games en route to the round of 16.
For us, it's massive,' he said on Wednesday night. 'We're facing a team a lot of people don't know, but they're unbeaten at home in Europe.
'It's really important to go to the next stage, and we need to win tomorrow because of all of that. If you pass to the next stage without a play-off, we take (away) two games.'
Manchester UnitedBruno Fernandes