Bruno Fernandes’s tumultuous week continued in Portugal as he was sent off for the second time in as many games. The Manchester United midfielder, who had a red card overturned from their previous game against Tottenham, received his marching orders in the 81st minute of their Europa League clash with Porto for a high boot on defender Nehuen Perez. This was his second yellow card of the match, leaving United to fight for a draw with 10 men.
The game started brightly for United, with Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund scoring within the first 20 minutes to put them 2-0 up. However, Porto fought back, with Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion equalizing before halftime. Omorodion then put Porto ahead five minutes into the second half.
Despite Fernandes’s red card, a determined United side pushed for an equalizer. Substitute Harry Maguire, who came on for the injured Raphael Varane, headed home in the first minute of stoppage time to salvage a 3-3 draw.
Manager Erik ten Hag, whose side has endured a shaky start to the season, acknowledged the team’s fighting spirit but also highlighted the need for improvement. “We started the game very good, and we dominated and scored two good goals, but then we lost control,” Ten Hag said. “The start was good, the middle part was not good, and we finished very good. “You see again, the team is willing, strong character, but the middle part, the defending, we have to improve.”
The draw will provide some relief for United, but Fernandes’s red card will be a concern for Ten Hag, especially considering his recent disciplinary issues. The team will look to regroup and improve their defensive performance in their upcoming matches.
