Paul Scholes and Michael Owen’s attacks Spurs and blames referee for Bruno red card
Bruno Fernandes found himself at the center of controversy during Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, a match marked by the captain’s straight red card for an alleged high challenge on James Maddison.
Tottenham began the game with intensity, as Brennan Johnson netted the opening goal within minutes, signaling what would be a dominant performance by Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Both teams had come off Europa League fixtures, but it was Tottenham who looked more energetic and aggressive, putting Manchester United under immense pressure from the start.
United, managed by an under-fire Erik ten Hag, appeared vulnerable throughout, leaving gaps that Spurs nearly exploited multiple times.
Timo Werner missed a golden one-on-one opportunity, and Manchester United’s defense found itself scrambling to avoid further damage before Fernandes’ dismissal.
Fernandes’ challenge on Maddison just before half-time became the turning point of the game. After chasing the ball aggressively, Fernandes appeared to slip and caught Maddison high, leading to referee Chris Kavanagh issuing a straight red card.
The decision sparked debate, with pundits weighing in on whether the challenge warranted a sending-off.
Michael Owen voiced his opinion that the Manchester United captain was “unlucky” to receive a red card, arguing that Fernandes’ slip diminished the intent behind the challenge.
According to Owen, the contact with Maddison lacked the force required to justify a dismissal, as it was more of a flick on the shin pad than a dangerous tackle. He felt a yellow card would have sufficed, believing the challenge did not endanger Maddison.
Paul Scholes, while agreeing that the red card may have been harsh, expressed frustration with Fernandes for putting himself in a position to be penalized.
He described the captain’s actions as “petulant” and avoidable, suggesting that even though the tackle may not have been a deliberate act of malice, it gave the referee an opportunity to make a controversial decision.
Scholes’ criticism hinted at larger issues within Manchester United, particularly the lack of discipline and composure from the team’s leaders.
The red card shifted the momentum further in Tottenham’s favor, and they capitalized just minutes into the second half.
Dejan Kulusevski jabbed home a cross from Johnson, doubling the lead and putting United on the back foot. Despite brief moments of fight from Ten Hag’s side, Tottenham remained in control, with Dominic Solanke sealing the win with a third goal.
Tottenham’s victory piled further misery on Manchester United, who had already suffered a demoralizing defeat to Liverpool earlier in the season.
The loss raised questions about Ten Hag’s future at the club, as United’s defensive vulnerabilities and inability to cope with high-pressing, aggressive teams became increasingly evident.
The red card incident only compounded Manchester United’s woes, overshadowing any hope of a comeback and leaving fans and analysts alike questioning how much longer the manager can remain in charge.
Ultimately, Tottenham outclassed United from start to finish. The London side showcased their tactical discipline, high-intensity pressing, and clinical finishing.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s struggles continued, with Bruno Fernandes’ red card serving as a metaphor for the club’s broader issues under Ten Hag. The future remains uncertain for United, as poor performances and mounting pressure on the manager cast a long shadow over Old Trafford.
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