Crisis-hit Manchester United will be able to call on captain Bruno Fernandes in the upcoming games after all. The English record champions’ appeal against the three-match ban was successful.
In perhaps the most difficult phase of his tenure, Sunday afternoon was a new low for Erik ten Hag. After the 3-0 home loss to Tottenham Hotspur, the Dutch head coach of Manchester United was counted out. Criticism in the environment is becoming increasingly harsh.
To make matters worse, the Red Devils lost their captain before half-time in the clear defeat to Spurs. Bruno Fernandes slipped while challenging opponent James Maddison, before needlessly pulling his leg up high. He then only slightly touched Maddison.
Referee Christopher Kavanagh was nevertheless satisfied with Bruno Fernandes’s red card. The 73-time Portuguese international (24 goals) could not understand the decision – and made that clear to the English referee.
Without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United conceded two more goals after the break. The air for ten Hag is getting thinner and thinner.
Do-or-die game for ten Hag?
At least the coach does not have to do without his captain after all, contrary to expectations. As the Red Devils officially announced on Tuesday evening, their appeal against the “unjustified sending-off” was successful. “Bruno Fernandes was expected to miss the league games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, but will be available again after the successful appeal,” the English record champions write on their website.
The game at Aston Villa on Sunday (3 p.m.), which will face the German record champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, is already being seen as a make-or-break game for ten Hag. Before that, ManUnited still have to play FC Porto in the Europa League.