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.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved a budget of N17.6 billion for the 2025 financial year, according to a statement released following the NFF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Asaba, Delta State.

During the AGM, the Congress acknowledged the successes of Nigeria’s national teams.

They commended the Super Eagles for securing a silver medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and congratulated the Super Falcons on their historic qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence.

The Congress emphasized the crucial role of grassroots football in talent discovery and development across Nigeria.

In line with FIFA’s global vision for football, the NFF Executive Committee was urged to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, improving refereeing standards, and conducting coaching courses, especially for young and emerging talents.

In addition to approving the budget, Congress extended the tenure of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the NFF’s external auditors for another year.

The Congress also praised the advancement of Nigeria’s football leagues, urging state football associations and referees to enhance officiating standards.

Furthermore, it called on state governments to invest in better football infrastructure to help elevate the sport’s profile across the nation.

Marcus Rashford Speaks Out After Half-Time Substitution in Man Utd‘s Dramatic Draw with Porto

Marcus Rashford has addressed his surprising substitution at halftime during Manchester United’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Porto.

The forward ended a brief goal drought with a first-half goal, showcasing his talent at the Estadio do Dragao.

Rashford opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match, cutting in from the left and slotting a low shot past Porto’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa.

He continued to be a significant threat, later assisting Rasmus Hojlund for United’s second goal. However, fans were left puzzled when he was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho at the break, especially after Porto managed to equalize at 2-2.

Despite the baffling decision, United salvaged a late point thanks to Harry Maguire’s goal. Following the match, Rashford took to Instagram to share his mixed feelings, writing: “Bitter Sweet. I’m happy to learn that I have broken into the top five scorers in Europe for United. But I’m gutted that we never managed to win tonight.”

Fans flooded the comments section, expressing their support. One wrote, “Proud of you, Rashy; you deserve better,” while another said, “You were a beast tonight; more of that, boy.” A third fan added, “Should’ve never been subbed.”

United manager Erik ten Hag explained the rationale behind the substitution, stating it was part of a “squad rotation.” He noted, “We had to rotate. Garnacho didn’t start, but he had a great game, not only on Sunday but the whole season. We have another tough game on Sunday, so we need players who are fit and fresh.”

Rashford has not played more than 75 minutes since United’s defeat to Liverpool on September 1, completing a full 90 minutes only twice this season.

As Manchester United prepares to face Aston Villa on Sunday, they will encounter a side riding high after defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The pressure is mounting on Ten Hag as he strives to turn around United’s fortunes following a series of disappointing results.

Maguire’s late equalizer came just hours after he learned he had been excluded from Lee Carsley’s England squad, adding further drama to the match.