BRUNO FERNANDES saw red for the third time this season.
The Manchester United captain, 30, picked up his first yellow card in the goalless first half for a cynical trip on Wolves dangerman Matheus Cunha.
Bruno Fernandes was sent off 90 seconds into the second half at Wolves
Fernandes could have no complaints after catching Nelson Semedo while already on a yellow
The challenge came immediately after giving possession away
And then just 90 seconds after the break, he flew into a late tackle on compatriot Nelson Semedo.
The Portuguese playmaker was clearly frustrated at giving away possession.
And his temper boiled over as he caught Semedo’s standing leg with his studs, sending the right-back tumbling to the floor.
Referee Tony Harrington deemed the poor challenge worthy of a second yellow card, subsequently brandishing the red and sending Fernandes for an early bath.
The decision could not be checked by VAR because the ref did not award a straight red.
The dismissal followed Fernandes’ red cards against Tottenham on September 29 and then Porto on October 3 just four days later.
Fernandes became the first United player to be sent off three times in one season for 16 years… and it is still only December.
Nemanja Vidic received three red cards in 2008–09, including both away and home games against Premier League rivals Liverpool.
With three goals this season, Fernandes has more than any other top-flight football player; Edson Alvarez and Jack Stephens are the only two players to get two.
It’s true that the former Sporting star did not serve a domestic punishment since his first-ever United red card for a harsh tackle on James Maddison against Spurs was rejected on appeal.
But the lack of discipline from the player who is supposed to be the leader on the pitch will be a major concern for new boss Ruben Amorim.
Especially because the red card immediately sparked the drab Molineux clash into life – and all in the home team’s favour.
Fernandes’ first yellow came when he fouled Matheus Cunha
He knew he was in trouble as soon as he made contact with Semedo
The dismissal was the United skipper’s third of the season
Things went from bad to worse following his sending off