Is Bruno Fernandes available to face Porto? The Manchester United captain expects a tough Europa League tie after Tottenham's red card
Manchester United will depend on the performance of captain Bruno Fernandes when he returns to action against Porto this week.
The red devils suffered a 3-0 defeat against Tottenham Sunday after their captain was sent off in the first half of the tough loss.
United fell into pieces without Fernandes After the break, Spurs scored twice against 10 men to increase the pressure on Erik ten Hag.
The club now hopes to win again in the Europa League against their star midfielder's former arch-rivals.
United have not faced Porto since 2009, when Portugal captain Fernandes Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 'best goal' which ultimately led to the creation of the Puskas Prize.
The only trip to the Primeira Liga giants was also memorable when Jose Mourinho's won 2-1 en route to winning the Champions League in 2004.
Is Fernandes available to face Porto?
Yes, United have received a boost with Fernandes eligible to play at the Estadio do Dragao on Thursday.
The midfielder's automatic three-match suspension following his red card applies only to domestic matches, not in Europe.
Unless United successfully appeal his ban, Fernandes will miss the away games against Aston Villa. Brentford at home and West Ham away.
However, the 30-year-old will be able to play upon his return to his hometown, having grown up a fan of PortBoavista's local rivals.
Fernandes will also relish the opportunity to renew hostilities with the 'Dragoes', having captained their national enemies. Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese international knows more than anyone about the complicated tie that awaits United and sent a warning to his teammates.
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“It's a team that always does very well in Europe, we have to be aware of that,” Fernandes told MUTV.
“It is a team that has a great spirit, it is improving a lot in the last games, even if it lost the last game of the Europa League.
“It is a team that has been improving with its new coach (Vitor Bruno),” he added.
“We're expecting a really tough game there, but we're going to win because that's all we have to think about.”
