Bruno Fernandes has expressed that Manchester United‘s current struggles rank among the “toughest moments” he’s faced since joining the club nearly five years ago.
This marks his first message to fans following his red card in the dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto.
The United captain was sent off for the second consecutive game, receiving his marching orders in the final 10 minutes as the Red Devils sought to claw back after surrendering a 2-0 lead.
This dismissal followed a red card he received just days earlier during the team’s 3-0 loss to Tottenham at Old Trafford for a late tackle on James Maddison—a decision that was eventually overturned by the Premier League.
However, Fernandes will still face a suspension in European competition.
Taking to Instagram to break his silence, Fernandes wrote: “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.”
He continued, “Throughout my career, I’ve faced challenges and adversities, but one thing that has never changed is my willingness to step up and take responsibility, even in difficult moments.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, and many of you United fans are probably tired of hearing it, but no one is more disappointed with my performances than I am.”
Despite his disappointment, Fernandes took a moment to thank supporters for their positive messages, saying, “Even through this moment, I appreciate all of you who have sent encouraging words of belief in me and the team.”
Before these recent incidents, Fernandes had never been sent off in his Manchester United career. However, his challenge at the Estadio do Dragao was deemed reckless, as he jumped with his studs up to reach the ball, clashing with Porto’s Perez, who had lowered his head to clear the ball.
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson weighed in on the incident: “Bruno Fernandes was not happy.
He went in high, and it was dangerous. He may have been focused on the ball, but in doing so, he left the referee with no choice.”
Despite Fernandes’ sending-off, United managed to salvage a point thanks to Harry Maguire’s 91st-minute header.
United boss Erik ten Hag, currently under pressure due to a string of poor results, will hope to avoid further setbacks when his side visits Aston Villa this Sunday.
While Fernandes will be available for the Premier League clash, he will miss United’s upcoming European fixture against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce if Ten Hag remains in charge by then.
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