Manchester United given major selection boost ahead of Aston Villa clash with star man available

Manchester United have been handed a major selection boost ahead of this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa with Bruno Fernandes’ red card overturned from last weekend.

The Portugal midfielder was sent off in the first half of United’s bruising 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford after he caught James Maddison high on the leg with a mistimed tackle. While the initial footage seemed to suggest it was a dangerous challenge from Fernandes, subsequent replays indicated the United captain slipped before attempting to win the ball.

Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red card for the tackle, although the United player revealed after the match that even Maddison didn’t think the dismissal was justified.

He’ll therefore feel vindicated by the FA’s decision to overturn the red card on Tuesday, meaning Fernandes’ three-match Premier League ban has been rescinded.

He will now be available to play at Villa Park on Sunday in a game that could have a huge bearing on the future of under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.

Reports have suggested that the Dutchman could lose his job if United lose to Porto on Thursday night and against Villa this weekend, following a start to the new term that has seen United collect just seven points from the opening six league games.

Fernandes’ return also coincides with a meeting against his favourite opponent and the 30-year-old has scored seven times against Villa from 10 career appearances, more than other side. He has also won more games against Villa (eight) than any other opponent, and missed United’s only Premier League loss at Villa Park since 1995 when he was suspended for the 3-1 defeat in November 2022.

Fernandes will also be available for the upcoming games against Brentford and West Ham United after the October international break. The red card on Sunday was the first of Fernandes’ United career in his 242nd appearance for the club.