Frank Christian
Manchester United experienced a disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham in the Premier League, marking a tough day for the team at home.
Manager Erik ten Hag’s position is under scrutiny as his players struggled in the rainy conditions of Manchester.
Tottenham dominated the match, scoring at the beginning of each half through Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski, with Dominic Solanke sealing the win later on for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
A major talking point at halftime for Manchester United was the controversial red card issued to captain Bruno Fernandes just before the interval.
Referee Chris Kavanagh sent off the Portuguese player after he seemed to tackle James Maddison late in midfield.
Video replays indicated that Fernandes had slipped and inadvertently made contact with Maddison, yet Kavanagh upheld his decision without calling for a VAR check.
Post-match, Fernandes expressed his dissatisfaction with the red card, asserting it was a grave mistake, a sentiment echoed by Maddison.
“In my opinion, it’s not a red card. While I admit it’s a foul, it shouldn’t have been a red. The referee claimed I made clear contact with the studs, but that’s not true. I only touched him with my ankle,” he stated.
“It’s a clear foul—but never a red card.”
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes speaks after being sent off in a 3-0 loss to Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/VyKbAaCDwc
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 29, 2024
“It’s NEVER a red card!”
Bruno Fernandes reacts to being sent off vs Tottenham! pic.twitter.com/zAnxvIhTGE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 29, 2024
“Even James Maddison, when he got up, said it’s not a red card!”
“If this is considered a red card, then many other incidents need to be reviewed. It was a foul, but very little contact was made. If the referee wanted to show a yellow card, I would accept that. I can’t understand why VAR didn’t intervene,” he added.
The club has not revealed whether it will challenge the decision, which carries an automatic three-match ban following a direct red card.
Should the red card stand, Fernandes will be sidelined for the upcoming match against Aston Villa, along with subsequent games against Brentford and West Ham United after the international break.
