Ruben Amorim had sympathy for Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United captain saw red for a third time this season in the Premier League defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Fernandes was sent off in the 47th minute at Molineux after receiving a second yellow card for a late challenge on Nelson Semedo. He had been booked in the first half for a trip on Matheus Cunha.
The 30-year-old will be suspended for Monday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United. Fellow midfielder Manuel Ugarte will also miss the visit of Newcastle after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in the second half on Thursday evening.
The red card was Fernandes’ third of the campaign following sendings off in September’s Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and October’s Europa League draw with Porto. His red card against Spurs was later rescinded after a successful appeal.
“I will always be frustrated with a red card, but it can happen,” Amorim said after the game.
“He wanted to go for the ball. It’s not like he wanted to stop a play with a yellow — he wants to go to the ball. The other guy touched the ball first, and there was a contact. That thing is tough on him, also.”
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United were beaten 2-0 by Wolves following a Cunha goal direct from a corner and Hwang Hee-chan’s stoppage time finish.
It was a fourth defeat in seven league games for the Portuguese since his appointment as Erik ten Hag’s successor in November but he insists with time his new side will adapt to his style of play.
“I managed, but I didn’t train. They need time to train. They are completely changing their way of playing,” he explained when asked about his first month in charge.
“It’s really hard on them and also the staff to pass on all the information. When you don’t have results it’s even harder for them to believe.
“We have to continue. We already knew it’s a tough moment and we have to focus on the next game.”
(Henry Nicholls/AFP via Getty Images)
