'Don't fancy going to Anfield!' - Did Bruno Fernandes get banned on purpose to miss Liverpool game – as suggested by former Man Utd striker?

Posted Monday, December 11, 2023 by Goal.com

Bruno Fernandes will miss Manchester United's trip to Liverpool, with Michael Owen joking that the Portuguese picked up a ban on purpose.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Red Devils skipper collected his fifth booking of the season during a demoralising 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford. He must now serve a suspension, meaning that he will be unavailable to Erik ten Hag for a testing trip to Anfield.

WHAT OWEN SAID ABOUT FERNANDES
Former Liverpool and United striker Owen has told Premier League Productions of Fernandes' disciplinary record and why he may not have fancied a visit to Merseyside: "I wonder how many yellow cards he's had for dissent and waving his arms about. 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 BIGGER PICTURE
Fernandes has never been sent off in his Premier League career, but he has picked up 29 cautions through 140 appearances in the English top-flight. As club captain at Old Trafford, he is expected to lead by example.

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
United are due to face arch-rivals Liverpool next Sunday – as Jurgen Klopp's side sit at the top of the Premier League table – but prior to that they have a must-win clash with Bayern Munich to take in, which Fernandes will be available for as the Red Devils seek to avoid slipping out of European competition in 2023-24.