BREAKING NEWS: In a disappointing development, it has been announced this evening that Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has removed Bruno Fernandes from his role as captain. A new captain has already been appointed to lead the team.

In Thursday’s thrilling 3-3 draw between Manchester United and Porto, Bruno Fernandes was once again at the heart of controversy after being sent off for the second consecutive match.

With just under ten minutes remaining, Fernandes’s dismissal hurt United’s chances as they fought to recover from a two-goal lead they had surrendered. The red card, coming so soon after a similar incident against Tottenham, raised concerns about Fernandes’s discipline and left the team in a difficult position.

Fernandes’s recent red cards have frustrated Manchester United. Although his red card against Tottenham was later overturned, being sent off twice in four days has increased pressure on both the player and the team.

Against Porto, he received a second yellow card for a high boot while attempting to score, leaving United vulnerable. Despite this, he will be available for United’s Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday, as the suspension only applies to European competitions. However, he will miss a crucial Europa League match against Fenerbahce.

The red card was controversial, with many feeling that Fernandes’s challenges, though deserving of yellow cards, were not enough for a sending-off.

The first was for a high boot, while the second occurred in a similar situation near the goal. Although UEFA did not view Fernandes’s actions as a “major offense,” his removal from the match left United scrambling in the final minutes. This incident will likely weigh on both Fernandes and the club as they prepare for important upcoming fixtures.

The match was a rollercoaster for United. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund gave the team a 2-0 lead, but defensive issues allowed Porto to mount a comeback. Goals from Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion leveled the game before Fernandes’s red card seemed to seal United’s fate. However, Harry Maguire rescued a point for United with a stoppage-time header.

After the match, Erik ten Hag reflected on the game, praising United’s fightback but acknowledging the need for defensive improvements. With key fixtures ahead, United must tighten their defense to turn their season around. For Fernandes, his disciplinary issues have raised questions about his leadership, and how quickly he moves past these incidents will be crucial for United’s success.