Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, having received red cards in consecutive matches. Despite this rough patch, the midfielder’s coaches, both at the club and national levels, have come to his defense, calling the dismissals “unjust” and “unfortunate.”
As Fernandes faces the challenges ahead, his importance to both Manchester United and the Portugal national team remains unquestionable. Here’s what his coaches had to say about his recent red cards and what it means for the future of Manchester United.
Roberto Martinez Backs Fernandes After Back-to-Back Red Cards
After Bruno Fernandes was shown the door in Manchester United’s thrilling 3-3 UEFA Europa League clash against Porto on October 3, Portugal’s head coach, Roberto Martinez, was quick to lend his support. Speaking to the press after the match, Martinez, who has witnessed Fernandes’ growth over the years, shared his disbelief at the situation.
“I think Bruno Fernandes has a lot of experience, but I’ve seen a lot of football in my life. And I’ve never seen two unfair red cards in consecutive games,”
The former Belgium coach added,
“Bruno is a focused player. He has a lot of experience. He knows perfectly well that this is part of football. [But] I don’t think he’s ever seen a red card in his career. Now he’s seen two!”
This unexpected scenario leaves Manchester United in a bind, with Fernandes suspended for their upcoming Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce on October 24. Erik ten Hag’s side, already struggling in the Premier League, will now have to cope without their captain in a crucial match.
A Historic First for Fernandes at United
Until this recent string of unfortunate events, Bruno Fernandes had never been sent off in nearly five seasons with Manchester United. The midfielder’s impeccable disciplinary record came to a halt when he was controversially dismissed during United’s Premier League match against Tottenham on September 29. Although that red card was later rescinded, Fernandes couldn’t escape a second dismissal in the game against Porto.
The 30-year-old’s double red card misfortune, however, has raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether the decisions were truly justified. Even Erik ten Hag, the Manchester United manager, echoed Martinez’s sentiments, calling both red cards anomalies rather than indications of poor discipline.
Erik ten Hag: “It Wasn’t Undisciplined”
Erik ten Hag has also thrown his support behind Fernandes, describing the two red cards as unfair incidents. In a post-match press conference following the Porto game, Ten Hag detailed why he believes the midfielder was unlucky in both cases.
“The [red] card [against Tottenham was] quickly overturned for Bruno. So they acknowledge there was a mistake on Sunday, and I would say he was very unlucky against Porto,”
He went on to add that Fernandes
“gave everything to make a goal. He was in the right spot, and the player came from the blind side and he didn’t see him. So I wouldn’t address it as undisciplined.”
With both his national team and club managers backing him, it’s clear that Bruno Fernandes remains a crucial part of Manchester United’s and Portugal’s plans moving forward. The midfielder, known for his leadership and tenacity, is not likely to let these setbacks define his season.
What’s Next for Manchester United Without Their Captain?
Bruno Fernandes’ absence in Manchester United’s next Europa League match could spell trouble for a side already grappling with injuries and inconsistent form. The Red Devils have struggled to hit their stride in both domestic and international competitions, with Erik ten Hag facing mounting pressure to turn things around.
However, Ten Hag remains optimistic and continues to show faith in his captain. The support from both his club and country will no doubt help Fernandes navigate this difficult period.
Erik ten Hag on Manchester United’s Difficult Start: “We’re All on the Same Page”
Aside from Fernandes’ woes, Manchester United are enduring one of their most difficult Premier League starts in recent history. Following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on October 6, the Red Devils sit in 14th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Despite the poor results, Erik ten Hag is confident that he retains the full backing of the Manchester United hierarchy. Speaking to the press after the Villa match, Ten Hag was quick to dismiss speculation about his future.
“I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me [if not],”
Ten Hag commented (via The Guardian).
“We communicate very openly and transparently. We are all on board together, on one page.”
The Dutch manager acknowledged that there is pressure to deliver better results but stressed that United’s leadership sees his project as a long-term endeavor.
“It’s a long-term project, and we have to keep improving the process,”
he emphasized.
The Road Ahead for Manchester United
With their captain Bruno Fernandes suspended and the team underperforming, Manchester United’s season is far from smooth sailing. Erik ten Hag will need to find solutions to the team’s attacking problems and restore their winning mentality.
The manager has already highlighted the team’s need for more clinical finishing, stating that the side has been creating chances but failing to capitalize.
“We need to step up,”
he admitted, acknowledging the team’s struggles in front of goal.
With fixtures coming thick and fast, including a tough Europa League clash against Fenerbahce, Ten Hag’s leadership and Bruno Fernandes’ resilience will be tested like never before.
While Bruno Fernandes may have been on the receiving end of some dubious refereeing decisions, the faith shown in him by Roberto Martinez and Erik ten Hag is a testament to his value. As United navigate the choppy waters of their season, Fernandes will undoubtedly play a key role in steering the ship back on course.
His two red cards might be seen as mere blips in an otherwise stellar career, but they highlight the unpredictable nature of football. For now, Fernandes must focus on returning stronger, and with his coaches’ confidence behind him, there’s every reason to believe he will.
As Manchester United look to find their form and climb the Premier League table, all eyes will remain on their captain, waiting to see if he can turn the tide.
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