Bruno Fernandes admits this ‘one of the hardest’ moments of Manchester United career
The Manchester United captain posted a message to fans after being sent off in each of the last two games.
Bruno Fernandes has admitted he is currently experiencing ‘one of the hardest’ moments in almost five years at Manchester United.
The midfielder, who signed for the club in January 2020, has been sent off in each of the last two games as the pressure mounts on manager Erik ten Hag.
Fernandes was shown a straight red for a mistimed lunge on James Maddison last week that caught the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder high on the leg. The decision was eventually overturned, however, with replays showing the Portugal international slipped just before attempting to win the ball.
Fernandes was then dismissed in the midweek as United drew 3-3 at Porto, with the 30-year-old’s second yellow somewhat harshly awarded for a high foot in the opposition box.
After nearly half a decade at Old Trafford, Fernandes is used to the spotlight that surrounds the club, but he admits that the scrutiny over Ten Hag and his side in recent weeks has been particularly intense.
“Tough moment as a team and personally for me, one of the hardest. Almost 5 years at the club with ups and downs, good and bad moments,” the United skipper said via a post on social media.
“Personally, I have always had challenges and adversities throughout my career and something that’s never happened was that I go silent or hide myself from responsibilities in difficult moments. I know it sounds cliche and most of you United fans will be tired of it, but no one is more disappointed than myself with my own moment.
“Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you that had positive messages of belief in me and the team.”
Fernandes’ overturned red card means he is available to play against Villa this weekend in what could be a crucial game for Ten Hag’s future, with several reports that he could be sacked if United lose.
The former Sporting Lisbon man has an excellent record against the Villans and has won more games and scored more goals against the West Midlands club than any other side in his career. However, it looks set to be a tough game, with an in-form Villa beating Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.