How Bruno Fernandes’ red card impacts Manchester United in the Europa League

Referee Tobias Stieler shows a yellow card to Bruno Fernandes in a Europa League match between FC Porto and Manchester United at Estadio do Dragao on October 03, 2024 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Manchester United have two points in the Europa League after drawing their second group match against FC Porto on Thursday night. To make matters worse, club captain Bruno Fernandes was dismissed after two yellow cards.

Here are the details of the impact Fernandes’ suspension will have on United and what the plan will be to replace him.

After getting sent off for the first time in his United career in Sunday’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat against Tottenham in the Premier League, Fernandes was shown a red card again in the 3-3 draw against Porto.

Thankfully, Fernandes’ three-match suspension in the Premier League was overturned by the FA earlier this week and he will be available to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

Fernandes was booked in the first half and in the 81st minute he was shown a second yellow card. The Portugal international attempted to extend his boot instead of trying to head the ball into the back of the net. As a result, Fernandes grazed the player in the chest area.

United were forced to play the remainder of the match reduced to 10 men.

After picking up two yellow cards against Porto. Fernandes will miss the team’s Europa League clash with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce later this month.

Who will play instead?

Ten Hag will more than likely turn to Mason Mount to play in midfield when United travel to Turkey. The former Chelsea star missed the last Europa League game due to injury, but with a bit of hope, he will be fit to face Fenerbahce.

Fernandes will almost certainly start against Villa this weekend.

The 30-year-old will be back in contention for European action in early November, when we host PAOK at Old Trafford.

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