'Even Tottenham player said it was not a red card': Man Utd star fuming over controversial decision in 3-0 loss to Spurs
Manchester United were hammered 3-0 by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford today.
Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke handed Spurs a big away victory.
The clash took a decisive turn when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a poor challenge on James Maddison.
The United captain spoke about the incident after the game.
He said (via Sky Sports): “[It’s] never a red card – that is my view. I agree that it is a foul, but it is never a sending-off.
“The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn’t touch him with the studs or even the foot – it was my ankle. It is a clear foul.
“If he wants to give me a yellow because they are going to go on a counter, then I agree. But more than that, no. It is not the case.
“Nobody wants to be sent off, it’s not a good feeling. I didn’t go with the studs, it’s never a red card. Even James Maddison when he gets up – he said it’s not a red card.
“If this is a red card we have to look at many other incidents. It is a foul, there is not much contact, if he [the referee] wants to give me a yellow I agree. I don’t understand why VAR doesn’t call him to the screen.
Poor form continues for Bruno Fernandes
At first glance, his tackle appeared to warrant a red card, but multiple angles suggest that the direct send-off was a harsh decision.
There was little force behind the lunge, which occurred after an unfortunate slip.
Fernandes knew he would be late for the challenge, but his slip led to catching Maddison high.
The Portuguese international has been in dismal form recently. He was careless with his ball distribution against Crystal Palace and FC Twente.
He was again poor today in his 42-minute display. The midfielder lost all three of his duels and gave away possession seven times.
The United number eight will miss games against Aston Villa (away), Brentford (home) and West Ham United (away).