Bruno Fernandes made a heartwarming gesture before Manchester United’s Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen, handing his jacket to the mascot who accompanied him onto the pitch.
The match, held at Plzen’s Doosan Arena, saw temperatures dip to minus one, with United players wearing jackets to combat the cold. Realizing the mascot might be feeling the chill even more, Fernandes generously offered his jacket as they stood for the Europa League anthem.
The mascot appeared impressed by the gesture, watching as the boy received the jacket. Fernandes’ thoughtful act follows a similar one by Jude Bellingham, who made headlines for using his tracksuit top to shield a wheelchair-bound mascot from rain ahead of England’s match with Belgium in March.
The game against Plzen gave several United players, including Fernandes, a chance to bounce back after a recent defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Manager Ruben Amorim made several changes to the starting lineup, including bringing back Tyrell Malacia and Noussair Mazraoui in defense, Casemiro in midfield, and Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee into the attack. Amorim emphasized the importance of securing a win in Czechia to avoid further complications in an already busy schedule.