Michael Owen has slammed Bruno Fernandes’ ill-discipline in the wake of Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Dominic Solanke, Phillip Billing and Marcos Senesi were the goalscorers at Old Trafford in a thoroughly rampant display from Bournemouth as they recorded their first win over the Red Devils in the Premier League era.
Erik ten Hag has the difficult task of going to Anfield next Sunday without one of their talismanic figures, Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese midfielder was booked against the Cherries.
Fernandes received a yellow card for dissent which may well cause Ten Hag the most frustration as he will now miss his best player due to a silly act of frustration when the game was lost.
Owen on Fernandes
Speaking on Premier League Productions, former United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen was frustrated with the manner in which the midfielder received a yellow card.
“I wonder how many yellow cards he’s had for dissent and waving his arms about,” Owen said. “Possibly you don’t fancy going to Anfield. I wouldn’t at the moment. I’m not sure you’re thinking of the next game when you’re in the thick of playing.
“He should be responsible; he should be a good ambassador and a leader for the team. We all know referees are clamping down on that and he gets booked an awful lot for a player who hardly puts his foot in and tackles. Really, he gets booked an awful lot.”
The midfielder will now miss the massive clash at Anfield but the Red Devils certainly have options to replace the former Sporting Lisbon star.
Fernandes as captain
It is hard to disagree with Owen, Fernandes does receive a lot of silly yellow cards for dissent, and an accumulation of this has led to him missing the vital clash against Liverpool.
The midfielder performed superbly well against Chelsea earlier in the week and was the only player that drew praise from Tim Sherwood.
United will have to do it without their captain and talisman, it certainly won’t be easy for Ten Hag to save his job.