The struggling Manchester United can rely on captain Bruno Fernandes in the coming games. The English record champions’ appeal against the three-game ban was successful.
Need to talk: Bruno Fernandes (right) with James Maddison.
imago images
In perhaps the most difficult phase of his term in office, Sunday afternoon was a new low for Erik ten Hag. After the 3-0 home game against Tottenham Hotspur, the Dutch head coach of Manchester United was counted. The criticism in the environment is becoming increasingly harsh.
To make matters worse, the Red Devils had lost their captain before the break in their clear defeat against Spurs. Bruno Fernandes slipped during a duel with opponent James Maddison before the Portuguese unnecessarily pulled his leg up high. He then only hit Maddison lightly.
It was still enough for referee Christopher Kavanagh to send Bruno Fernandes off with a straight red. The 73-time Portuguese international (24 goals) could not understand the decision – and clearly communicated this to the English referee.
Without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United conceded two more goals after the break. The air is getting thinner for ten Hag.
Fate for ten Hag?
At least the coach doesn’t have to do without his captain, unlike expected. As the Red Devils officially announced on Tuesday evening, their appeal against the “unjustified sending off” was successful. “Bruno Fernandes should miss the league games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, but will be available again after a successful appeal,” the English record champions wrote on their website.
Sunday’s game (3 p.m.) at Aston Villa, which faces German record champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, is already classified as a game of fate for ten Hag. Before that, ManUnited has to face FC Porto in the Europa League (Thursday, 9 p.m., all LIVE! on kicker).
