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In the grand scheme of things, a blow to befall Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United last week may not be as damaging as it first appears.

After Bruno Fernandes’ fairly ludicrous red card was rightly rescinded on appeal the Manchester United skipper then picked up another just four days later on his return to Portugal.

And this one, while pretty soft itself, will stand. Bruno Fernandes will miss Man United’s trip to Fenerbahce in their third Europa League fixture of the season, then.

But maybe it’s not all bad news. Fernandes’ form has been poor at best so far in 2024/25, after all.

While Fernandes has had his critics of late, you will not find Portugal boss Roberto Martinez turning on a man who has recently produced his most flowing displays on the international stage.

Portugal boss backs Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes

“I think Bruno Fernandes has a lot of experience, but I’ve seen a lot of football in my life,” Martinez gasps, speaking to reporters after the Red Devils skipper was sent for an early bath for the second time in a week as Man United drew 3-3 with Porto at the Estadio do Dragao.

“And I’ve never seen two unfair red cards in consecutive games. Bruno is a focused player. He has a lot of experience. He knows perfectly well that this is part of football.

“ I don’t think he’s ever seen a red card in his career. Now he’s seen two!”

Roberto Martinez is right.

Fernandes had never before been sent off until Tottenham arrived at Old Trafford. In fact, he had only picked up five yellow cards in nearly five seasons before a 3-0 home defeat which piled further pressure on an already beleaguered Ten Hag.

No wonder the Dutchman was keen to quell the narrative before it begins.

Erik ten Hag spoke out on Bruno Fernandes red card drama

“The card quickly overturned for Bruno. So they acknowledge there was a mistake on Sunday,” Ten Hag correctly pointed out in his post-Porto presser.

“And I would say he was very unlucky against Porto.

“He gave everything to make a goal. He was in the right spot, and the player came from the blind side and he didn’t see him. So I wouldn’t address it as undisciplined.”

Still, two red cards in succession for their skipper – the first wrong and the second contentious – summed up how things are going for Manchester United at present.

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