- Bruno Fernandes has picked up a second red in as many games for Man United
- Before Sunday he had never been sent off for the Red Devils in 240 appearances
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Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second game in a row on Thursday night against Porto in the Europa League in Man United’s dramatic 3-3 draw.
Manchester United’s season went from bad to worse as they first blew a two-goal lead and then lost their captain less than 10 minutes from time while they were chasing the game.
While his sending off against Tottenham on Sunday was later overturned, the United skipper has now been handed his marching orders twice within five days.
Marcus Rashford scored a stunning solo goal in the first half and Rasmus Hojlund made it 2-0 on 20 minutes but a quickfire double from Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion squared things up again.
Omorodion then scored again and as United chased the game Bruno saw red for a second yellow card after a high foot as he tried to control a ball into the box.
Bruno Fernandes was shown a second red card in as many games on Thursday night in Porto
The Man United captain picked up a second booking after a high challenge on Porto’s Nehuen Perez
With United and Erik ten Hag both facing a massive week – with pressure increasing on the Dutchman’s shoulders with every passing day – it is another hammer blow for the Red Devils.
It looked set to be a double blow of defeat and dismissal for their talismanic attacking midfielder, but Harry Maguire came to his side’s rescue late in the game.
The English centre back – who only came off the bench in the second half – leapt highest to head home from a cross in the 91st minute, and crucially earn another point for the visitors.
Yet it will surely be something of a blow to Fernandes to have picked up another red card, having never received a single sending off in his entire United career before Sunday.
Yet it did appear a reckless challenge, the Portuguese star jumping with his studs high in the air to try to reach the ball before Perez, whose head was lowered to clear the ball.
‘Bruno Fernandes is not happy,’ said former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC’s Radio 5 Live. ‘He has gone in high with his foot and it is dangerous.
‘In Fernandes’ defence he is looking at the ball, but when you do that you give the referee no option.’
Fernandes will now miss out on United’s trip to Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce later in October
In the aftermath of Sunday’s loss at Tottenham his dismissal was rescinded, with a panel also finding that the VAR should have intervened in the decision, so it is some silver lining that he will now be in contention for the weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
Yet there is likely to be no such luck for the clash with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce later in October, with his side desperate for a first win of the Europa League campaign.
