Manchester United's turbulent journey in European football continued as they salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The match at Estadio do Dragao was marked by the controversial sending off of Bruno Fernandes, who received his second red card in as many games.
The Portuguese midfielder was dismissed in the 81st minute after receiving two yellow cards, the second for a high boot that caught Porto defender Nehuen Perez. This incident comes just days after Fernandes was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle in United's 3-0 loss against Tottenham on September 29—a suspension that was later overturned on appeal.
Manchester United had surged ahead early in the match, leading 2-0 within the first 20 minutes. However, Porto mounted a relentless comeback, turning the tide to lead 3-2 as the game approached its conclusion. Fernandes's dismissal seemed to seal United's fate, but substitute Harry Maguire rose to the occasion, heading in an equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time.
The draw provided a much-needed respite for manager Erik ten Hag, who has faced mounting pressure amid a troubled start to the season. A loss would have intensified scrutiny on his leadership, but the team's resilience in the face of adversity showcased their fighting spirit.
Fernandes's recent disciplinary issues pose questions for Manchester United as they navigate both domestic and European competitions. The team's ability to overcome setbacks will be crucial in the coming weeks as they aim to stabilize their performance and contend for silverware.
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Manchester United's Fernandes sent off in frantic 3-3 draw with Porto
cgtn.com
