Bruno Fernandes Sent Off Again as Manchester United Rescue Late Point Against Porto
Manchester United’s Europa League campaign took another dramatic turn as captain Bruno Fernandes was dismissed for the second time in just five days during a thrilling 3-3 draw against Porto. United had looked in control early on, taking a 2-0 lead, but the match spiraled out of control in the second half, with Fernandes’ red card marking a crucial turning point. Despite being down to 10 men, Harry Maguire’s late header salvaged a point, leaving United manager Erik ten Hag with serious questions to address.
Bruno Fernandes’ Double Red Card Woes
Bruno Fernandes, known for his leadership and creativity in the United midfield, found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons once again. After being controversially sent off in United’s Premier League defeat to Tottenham, Fernandes’ red card from that match was overturned on appeal. However, in their Europa League clash against Porto, he received another red card after a high-foot challenge on Nehuen Perez in the 82nd minute.
The challenge came as Fernandes attempted to control a cross, but his boot was raised dangerously high, leading to Perez going down clutching his face. The referee, Tobias Stieler, had little choice but to issue a second yellow card to Fernandes, sending the captain off with just minutes left on the clock.
This latest incident raises concerns about Fernandes’ discipline at a time when United can ill afford to lose key players. Former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson commented on the incident during BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage, saying: “Bruno Fernandes is not happy. He has gone in high with his foot, and it is dangerous. In his defense, he is looking at the ball, but when you do that, you give the referee no option.”
United’s Bright Start Turns Sour
Manchester United started the game brightly, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund giving them a 2-0 lead inside the first 20 minutes. Diogo Costa, Porto’s goalkeeper, failed to deal with two well-taken shots from United’s attackers, raising hopes of a comfortable win for the Red Devils.
However, Porto refused to back down. Pepe pulled a goal back just before halftime, and the Portuguese side began to grow in confidence. Summer signing Samu Omorodion then took the game by storm, heading in the equalizer and blasting in a powerful shot at the near post to make it 3-2 for the home side.
Harry Maguire’s Heroics
With their captain sent off and the match slipping away, Manchester United appeared to be heading for another disappointing defeat. However, a late surge saw Harry Maguire rise to the occasion. The much-maligned defender, who had been relegated to a substitute role, came on late in the match and made an immediate impact.
In the 89th minute, Christian Eriksen delivered a pinpoint corner, and Maguire outjumped the Porto defense to power home a header, rescuing a point for United in what had become a chaotic contest. The result will provide some relief to Erik ten Hag and his players, but the overall performance still left much to be desired.
Fernandes’ Discipline Under Scrutiny
Fernandes’ red card has added to Manchester United’s growing list of problems this season. While his passion and drive on the field are well-known, two red cards in such a short span of time have raised serious questions about his discipline and leadership. As the team captain, Fernandes is expected to set an example, but his rash challenges have put his side at risk on multiple occasions.
– Sunday: Bruno Fernandes gets sent off vs. Tottenham
– Tuesday: Man United win an appeal to overturn the red card
– Thursday: Fernandes gets sent off vs. PortoRollercoaster week for the Man United captain pic.twitter.com/FOxDyyP8Z1
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) October 3, 2024
Having been sent off against Tottenham just five days prior, United successfully appealed that decision, allowing Fernandes to play in this Europa League fixture. However, his latest indiscretion leaves Erik ten Hag in a difficult position. With important Premier League and Europa League fixtures ahead, losing a player of Fernandes’ caliber could be detrimental to United’s efforts to turn their season around.
Ten Hag’s Growing Concerns
Erik ten Hag has endured a difficult start to the season, and Fernandes’ disciplinary issues only add to his growing list of concerns. The Dutchman has already faced criticism for United’s poor form in the Premier League, with the team languishing in 13th place after a series of underwhelming performances.
United’s Europa League campaign has also started shakily, with this draw against Porto following a disappointing 1-1 draw at home against FC Twente in the opening match. Ten Hag’s task of rebuilding confidence within the squad will not be helped by Fernandes’ absence in the next match, leaving the manager to ponder his options moving forward.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
With the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa looming, Erik ten Hag will need to find a way to rally his squad and instill some much-needed discipline. The return of Fernandes for domestic action, following the overturning of his previous red card, will be crucial, but his latest dismissal means United will be without their captain for the next Europa League match.
United’s season has been marked by inconsistency, and this latest setback only adds to the pressure on Ten Hag and his team. However, with Harry Maguire stepping up in the final moments against Porto, there may still be some hope that United can turn their fortunes around.
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