Man Utd receive final answer on Bruno Fernandes red card appeal as new return date set
Bruno Fernandes won't be missing Manchester United's next three games
PA
Bruno Fernandes' red card against Tottenham has been overturned after Manchester United were successful in their appeal.
The Portuguese midfielder was shown a straight red for a lunging challenge on James Maddison during United's dismal 3-0 defeat to Spurs at the weekend.
VAR Peter Bankes agreed with the on-field decision from referee Chris Kavanagh as Fernandes was given his marching orders.
United were trailing 1-0 at the time of Fernandes' dismissal and were unable to fight back after going down to 10 men.
Bruno Fernandes won't be missing Manchester United's next three games
PA
Both Fernandes and Erik ten Hag complained about the red card decision after the match with United lodging an appeal.
And they've successfully argued their claim for wrongful dismissal with Fernandes' three-match ban now being overturned.
The 30-year-old was originally set to miss matches against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham, meaning he wouldn't feature in the Premier League until November.
However, Fernandes will now be available to play against Villa this weekend with United in need of picking up points.
The defeat to Tottenham saw United slip down to 13th in the table and they're closer to the relegation zone than the top four.
Villa suffered a setback at the weekend with a disappointing 2-2 draw away to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
But Unai Emery's side are still in close proximity to early league leaders Liverpool along with Manchester City and Arsenal.
United will have a chance to build up some momentum before their game against Villa when they face Porto on the Europa League this week.
Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half
PA
The Red Devils failed to deliver in their opening Europa League match last week in a disappointing 1-1 draw with FC Twente.
United's poor form of late has led to questions over Ten Hag's future, but the Dutchman remains confident the club will stick by him.
"No I am not thinking about this," he said when asked about his future.
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"We all made this decision to stay together in summer, as ownership group, leadership group.
"Also we made the decision, after a clear review, what we have to improve as an organisation and how to construct a squad.
"All decisions made in togetherness, also knowing it would take some time. We are all there on one page, one boat, the ownership, the leadership group, the staff, players too."