In Thursday’s intense 3-3 draw between Manchester United and Porto, Bruno Fernandes found himself at the center of controversy again as he was sent off for the second consecutive match. With under ten minutes left and United desperately seeking an equalizer after relinquishing a two-goal lead, Fernandes’s red card was a significant setback for Erik ten Hag’s squad. This dismissal, following a similar incident just days prior against Tottenham, raised concerns about his discipline and placed the team in a difficult position.
Fernandes’s recent red cards have frustrated Manchester United. Although the red card he received against Tottenham was later overturned, being sent off twice in four days has increased pressure on both him and the team. His dismissal in the Porto match, where he received a second yellow for a high boot while attempting to score, left his team vulnerable. Despite this setback, he will still be available for United’s upcoming Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday, as UEFA’s suspension rules apply only to European competitions. However, he will miss the crucial Europa League match against Fenerbahce later this month.
The circumstances surrounding the red card were somewhat contentious, as Fernandes was penalized for two challenges that many believed deserved bookings but not a sending off. The first challenge involved a high boot that contacted a Porto player, while the second occurred in a similar situation as he reached for the ball near the goal. Although UEFA did not classify his actions as a “major offense,” his exit from the match forced United to scramble for a result in the closing minutes. This situation will likely weigh heavily on both the player and the club as they prepare for future matches, especially with important games coming up.
The match itself was a rollercoaster for Manchester United. Initially, things appeared to be going smoothly, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund scoring to give United a 2-0 lead at Estádio do Dragão. This early dominance instilled hope among fans that Ten Hag’s side could secure a vital win in their European campaign. However, United’s defensive weaknesses resurfaced, allowing Porto to stage a swift comeback. Goals from Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion stunned the visitors and equalized within minutes. The tension escalated as Porto sought a winner while United aimed to regain control. Fernandes’s red card in the 81st minute seemed to seal United’s fate. Reduced to ten men and trailing 3-2, their chances of even securing a draw appeared to be fading. However, in the dying moments, Harry Maguire salvaged a point for the visitors with a header deep into stoppage time. It was a dramatic conclusion to a match that saw United shift from comfortable control to a frantic struggle to avoid defeat.
After the match, Erik ten Hag reflected on his team’s performance. “We started the game very well, got two good goals, but then lost our way,” he stated. “The beginning was strong, the middle was poor, but the ending was fantastic.” While he was pleased with the team’s resilience to equalize after going behind, he emphasized the need for defensive improvements. “Going there is difficult, so getting the equalizer after falling behind 3-2 is good for morale,” he noted. “Once again, you can see the spirit in the team. But we must focus on improving the most important part, which is our defense.”
Ten Hag’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges Manchester United have faced this season, especially their difficulty in maintaining match control. Although the comeback against Porto demonstrated character, the defensive lapses that allowed the home team to equalize reveal the ongoing issues that have plagued United throughout the campaign. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including the Europa League match against Fenerbahce and key Premier League games, United must find a way to tighten their defense to have any hope of turning their season around.
For Bruno Fernandes, these consecutive red cards will lead to a period of reflection. As the captain and a key player for United, he is expected to set an example on the field. However, his recent disciplinary issues have brought his leadership into question. While he will be available for league matches against Aston Villa and Brentford, his absence in the Europa League could be costly. As Ten Hag prepares his team for upcoming challenges, much will depend on how quickly Fernandes can move past these incidents and refocus on helping United improve in the league and advance in Europe.