The "classy touch" from the fans Paul Heckingbottom says has lifted the players' spirits following a miserable season

United, who return to action when Brighton and Hove Albion visit South Yorkshire tomorrow, officially surrendered their top-flight status after being beaten at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend - finishing the match 19 points adrift of safety with only six games remaining.

With United losing all but six of their outings in the competition since finishing ninth last term and also parting company with Chris Wilder last month, it has been a punishing season for a team which collected an army of admirers for its achievements under the 53-year-old.

Although he admitted United’s results and performances have been unpalatable at times, Heckingbottom, who yesterday told The Star he wants to see fans become more involved in the governance of the national sport, said: “What I will say about the supporters, especially the ones who were waiting outside the ground when we got back from Molineux, is that they really care and they understand the situation totally. They know.

“I thought that was a really classy touch by the way, and it was one I certainly appreciated. I know, speaking to the lads, they did too.”

“The ones who were there, they wanted me to pass on messages to Chris and the rest of his staff.

“The fans feel frustrated because they’ve not been able to play their part in helping the team because of Covid-19 restrictions. I’ve had lots of chats with people who are obviously and understandably frustrated by what’s gone on but who also recognise all the good work that has gone on.”

Wilder, who twice led United to promotion after being appointed in May 2016, parted company with his boyhood club following a series of disagreements with the board about transfer and recruitment strategy.

Heckingbottom said: “What’s happened has happened. Now it’s all about making sure we can bounce back and are in the best possible shape to do that.

“Sometimes, in football as well as life in general, you gave it tough. But there’s no point in getting upset about it or going running to someone else to help you. You’ve got to grab the situation and deal with it yourself, because that’s what successful teams do.”

Although Sander Berge is closing in on a return to fitness, the Norwegian is expected to miss the meeting with Albion as he looks to complete his rehabilitation programme following hamstring surgery. Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, Billy Sharp and Sander Berge are also ruled-out, with all four expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

“There’s been a lot thrown at this group,” Heckingbottom said. “Obviously what’s happened has happened. But the fight is definitely still there and they’ve got to be applauded for that. They realise they are representing themselves, the club and most importantly the fans. There’s still plenty to play for, even though we know what our fate is.”

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