Man Utd have seven games to dodge nightmare scenario for Erik ten Hag
Manchester United are at risk of losing Bruno Fernandes for one match if he picks up another yellow card in the next few weeks in what would be a big blow to Erik ten Hag. Fernandes has already picked up four yellow cards in United’s opening 12 Premier League fixtures with his last coming in the 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City last month.
But the United captain is now walking a tightrope over the next few weeks to avoid a one-match suspension if he gets booked again. Any player who picks up five yellow cards inside the first 19 Premier League games is automatically suspended for one match.
That leaves Fernandes with seven games to avoid a fifth yellow card at a crucial part of the season. Four wins from their last five league matches have helped United make up for a disastrous start to the campaign.
But they’re still playing catch up to their rivals and will need Fernandes available to help them close the gap. United face a tricky festive period as well as they’re up against Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa within the next seven games.
Fernandes has played more minutes than any other outfield player for United this season and is the club’s joint-top scorer in the league with three goals. Ten Hag will not want to lose his captain over the festive period, particularly for games against their close rivals.
Fernandes was in a similar situation last year heading into the winter period before picking up his fifth yellow against West Ham. United ended up losing the next game against Aston Villa with Fernandes unavailable for selection.
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The Red Devils were able to cope without Fernandes the season before last when he was once again punished for picking up five yellow cards inside their opening 19 league games. They beat Burnley on that occasion Fernandes was unavailable, but Ten Hag won’t want to find out how his team can cope without their talisman this time around.
Mason Mount would potentially be seen as a more like-for-like replacement, but the England star is currently out with a calf strain. Donny van de Beek would also be an option, but the Dutchman has been out of favour at Old Trafford and looks set to leave for regular minutes in the New Year.
United are now relying on Fernandes to be on his best behaviour to avoid a potential selection headache for Ten Hag in the crucial festive schedule.
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