Porto players celebrate after scoring a goal in the UEFA Europa League game against Manchester United at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal, October 3, 2024. /CFP
Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in as many games as Manchester United drew 3-3 with Porto in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
The Portuguese was dismissed for two bookable offenses at Estadio do Dragao – just days after he was shown a straight red for a dangerous tackle in United's 3-0 loss against Tottenham on September 29. A three-game suspension for that red card was later overturned on appeal, but he was given his marching orders again as United battled to avoid another defeat against Porto.
Fernandes was sent off in the 81st minute when shown a second yellow card for a high boot that caught defender Nehuen Perez. His side was trailing 3-2 when he went off, having led 2-0 inside 20 minutes.
A loss would have increased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag after a troubled start to the season, but substitute Harry Maguire salvaged a draw with a headed goal in the first minute of stoppage time.
Bruno Fernandes (R) of Manchester United competes for the ball in the UEFA Europa League game against Porto at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal, October 3, 2024. /CFP
"We started the game very good and we dominated and scored two good goals, but then we lost control," Ten Hag said. "The start was good, the middle part was not good and we finished very good. You see again the team is willing, strong character, but the middle part, the defending, we have to improve."
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had put United into an early 2-0 lead before goals from Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion leveled the score at halftime. Omorodion then put Porto ahead five minutes into the second half.
United, now winless in their last five games in European competition, sit 13th in the Premier League table. They will travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday before the international break.
"I don't judge us in this moment. I judge us at the end of the season," Ten Hag said. "We are in the process. Just wait. We have to develop this team. We will work and continue. We will fight."