Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes will be available for the club’s next three matches after a successful appeal against his red card during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 29 September.

Fernandes was initially sent off for serious foul play after a challenge on James Maddison, which resulted in a straight red card. The decision, made by referee Chris Kavanagh, was upheld by VAR, even though Fernandes appeared to slip during the tackle. This was the first time the midfielder had received a direct red card in his Manchester United career.

As a result of the red card, Fernandes was set to miss league fixtures against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham United. However, following a successful appeal for wrongful dismissal, he will now be available for selection in these crucial games.

United’s manager Erik ten Hag will be relieved to have his captain available as the team attempts to recover from a difficult start to the season, having suffered three defeats in their opening six Premier League matches.

Fernandes’ Reaction

Speaking after the incident, Fernandes maintained that the red card was unwarranted, stating:

“It was never a red card, that is my view. The referee said it was clear contact with the studs, but no, I didn’t touch him with my studs or even my foot—it was my ankle.”

Fernandes also revealed that Maddison agreed with him, saying:

“Even Maddison, when he got up, said, ‘It’s a foul, but it’s never a red card.’”

Fernandes will now lead Manchester United in their Europa League match against FC Porto on Thursday, as he returns to his home city in Portugal.