Bruno Fernandes made a heartfelt gesture towards the mascot who accompanied him onto the pitch before Manchester United’s match with Viktoria Plzen, handing the young fan his jacket prior to kick-off.
Ruben Amorim’s team has traveled to Czechia for the Europa League encounter, aiming to secure their third consecutive win in Europe against the Czech First League side.
At Plzen’s Doosan Arena, temperatures are currently at minus one, with United stepping onto the field in jackets to combat the chilly weather.
Noticing the mascot walking alongside him likely feeling even colder, the Man United captain offered the child his jacket while they stood for the Europa League anthem.
The other mascot looked suitably impressed by Fernandes’ act, watching with envy as the boy received the piece of United apparel.
Fernandes joins a list of stars who have performed similar thoughtful gestures, with Jude Bellingham making headlines for his selflessness before England’s match against Belgium in March.
Bruno Fernandes ensured his mascot was protected from the freezing conditions.
The Red Devils captain generously gave the child his jacket before the match against Viktoria Plzen.
Ruben Amorim will hope that his captain plays a key role in securing a place in the final 16.
On that occasion, the Real Madrid player used his tracksuit top to shield a mascot in a wheelchair from the pouring Wembley rain.
Fernandes was among several Man United stars given a chance to redeem themselves after the loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Amorim made significant changes, swapping five new players into his starting XI in Czechia on Thursday night, with Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui returning to defense, Casemiro back in midfield, and Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee starting after their appearances at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese head coach emphasized the importance of a win on the road to avoid congesting an already packed schedule with playoff matches leading to the round of 16.
“For us, it’s huge,” he said on Wednesday night. “We’re facing a team many people may not know, but they’re unbeaten at home in Europe.
“It’s crucial to reach the next stage, and we need to win tomorrow for that reason. Advancing without a playoff means we eliminate two matches.”