Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker deliver their verdicts on Bruno Fernandes’ red card for Man United

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Although Manchester United were already in their descendancy, Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham Hotspur ended any chance of a comeback at Old Trafford.

Fernandes was dismissed in the 42nd minute of the game at a point when Man United were 1-0, and had just come close once or twice to an equaliser.

There on, Tottenham went on to win comfortably, and despite bringing on both Mason Mount and Casemiro to bolster their midfield, United were unable to cope playing one man less.

Another disastrous night for Erik ten Hag, who can’t possibly blame Fernandes’ rash moment for the defeat.

United’s performance was typical of their last few years under Ten Hag, a team who lacked identity and a plan.

The Dutchman has been backed in the transfer market but it still isn’t coming together, at all.

Man United told Bruno Fernandes’ red card was ‘very harsh’ in Tottenham defeat

That being said, when speaking on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast, both Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker discussed the merits of Fernandes’ red card.

Both felt as if the decision was harsh, saying that a yellow card would have been sufficient for the United captain.

READ MORE: Paul Scholes and Michael Owen’s verdict on Bruno Fernandes’ red card

Even at the time it didn’t seem as if Fernandes had been reckless or dangerous, rather he slipped and continued to try and win the ball when he should have retracted his challenge. 

Shearer said: “They were miles the better team (Spurs). They were up for it more than Man United were – they started really well. They were the better team and I thought Man United were shambolic.

“They were awful, thought they were lucky to get away with three. Bit of a harsh sending off, I thought.

Lineker replied: “Yeah I thought that, I thought that as well. I thought it was one that a yellow probably would have sufficed.”

Shearer: “I think so, yeah.”

Lineker: “Yeah, because he slipped a bit, he stuck his leg out, but he wasn’t reckless or particularly dangerous.”

Shearer: “I didn’t think it was a red card though, it was really harsh.”

Erik ten Hag under serious pressure at Old Trafford

Of course, it does now have to be asked – how long can United continue to go on like this under Ten Hag?

Gary Neville shared his brutal United verdict following full time, labelling the performance ‘disgusting’.

As mentioned, Ten Hag now has a squad very much in his image, he’s running out of excuses in that respect.

And the pressure is now piling on ahead of two tough away trips prior to the next international break.

United face Porto away in the Europa League before travelling to Villa Park on Sunday, the kind of games Ten Hag usually wins in order to keep enough faith in his meandering project.