Everton boss Roberto Martinez has urged fans to stand by the players.

Everton finished fifth in Martinez's first season before slipping to 11th last year, but the manager found renewed encouragement in his side's second-half performance against FA Cup opponents Manchester United and said the backing of the fans had made a difference.

"The support we had at Wembley was one of the best I've seen at a football ground," he said.

"We fed off that. We played without the handbrake on in the second half.

"That's what we've been building over three years. To go to Wembley and go eye-to-eye with a team who challenges for silverware.

"The message is we are all hurting together. I understand their passion and they make us what we are as a club. Football without passion makes no sense.

"But I'd say to those fans only when you get through those difficult experiences and moments do you get a renewed drive to fight."