Bruno Fernandes says he is disappointed in himself for being sent off twice in a week, and admitted it has been one of his ‘hardest moments’ at Manchester United.
Although the United captain’s straight red card for a challenge on James Maddison in the 3-0 defeat by Tottenham last weekend was rescinded, it left his team playing with 10 men for more than half the game.
Fernandes was then dismissed again for a second bookable offence on his return to Portugal in Thursday’s 3-3 Europa League draw with FC Porto.
Fernandes, who is available to face Aston Villa on Sunday because his domestic ban was overturned, posted a message on social media saying: ‘Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest.
‘Almost five years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments. Personally, I have always had challenges and adversities throughout my career and something that’s never happened was that I go silent or hide myself from responsibilities in difficult moments.
Bruno Fernandes was shown his second red card in two games in United’s 3-3 draw with Porto
The 30-year-old broke his silence in a message to supporters where he admitted that it is a ‘tough moment’ for the team and himself personally
‘I know it sounds cliche and most of you United fans will be tired of it, but no one is more disappointed than myself with my own moment.’
Prior to Sunday’s dismissal, Fernandes had never been sent off in his United career. Yet, at the Dragao his challenge did appear to be a reckless one, the Portuguese star jumping with his studs high in the air to try to reach the ball before Nehuen 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’ red card against Tottenham last Sunday was overturned, meaning he will be available for United’s next Premier League game against Aston Villa
Fernandes was ultimately saved by the intervention of former captain Harry Maguire, who headed in a 91st-minute equaliser. Embattled boss Erik ten Hag takes his side to Villa Park on Sunday, looking to avoid a defeat which could spell the end of his tenure.
He will be delighted to be able to call up on his skipper for the trip to the west Midlands. However, if he still remains in the job, the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce will be absent of Fernandes’ talents.
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