Manchester United chief John Murtough has hailed the impact of the fans - home and away - this season.

Murtough said the support from United fans home and away had been “absolutely phenomenal".

“A great example was the Leeds game, when Rafa Varane walked out onto the pitch," said Murtough, recalling the French centre-back's surprise pre-match unveiling after his arrival from Real Madrid in August.

“He's about six foot four anyway, but I think he felt a foot taller walking back up that tunnel after you had all given him that welcome."

Murtough, who leads the club's football operations and strategy, said the vocal support from United fans did not go unnoticed by the players – and not just at Old Trafford.

“One thing that the players quote to me, especially the new players, is what it's like at away games as well – the support they have from the fans. So please don't underestimate the power and the energy that gives the team," he also told a fans forum.