Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Spurs withdrawn as a boost for Erik ten Hag | Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has received a welcome boost after Bruno Fernandes’ red card in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat against Tottenham on Sunday was deemed an unlawful dismissal by the Football Association. It means that the captain’s three-match suspension has been lifted.

With United in 13th place after the weekend’s humiliation, and Ten Hag’s job on the line due to United’s poor start to the season, Fernandes could miss Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa, as well as the games against Brentford and West Ham. He can now play in all those matches after United decided to appeal against referee Christopher Kavanagh’s decision to send off the midfielder just before half-time at Old Trafford for his apparently reckless challenge on James Maddison as the home side were 1-1 down. was 0 behind. Replays clearly showed that Fernandes had slipped as he looked to take down Maddison and that this had a material impact on his next challenge, which was also little more than a slight clip, making it somewhat baffling that VAR did not overturn the decision at the time.

“Bruno Fernandes will be available for Manchester United’s next three matches following a successful claim for wrongful dismissal,” United said in a statement. “The midfielder was sent off for serious foul play during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 29 September. Fernandes would miss our league matches against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham but will now be available for selection following the successful appeal.”

Sunday’s visit to Villa could be crucial for Ten Hag’s long-term future at United. The under-fire Dutchman realistically needs to oversee a win against fifth-place Unai Emery and Thursday’s Europa League match against Porto to still be in his post after the subsequent international break.