Bruno Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge during Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat away at Wolves on Boxing Day, with Ruben Amorim not impressed
Ruben Amorim displayed a telling lack of emotion towards Bruno Fernandes following his dismissal during United’s crushing Boxing Day loss to Wolves.
Amorim took over from Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in November, with Red Devils fans hopeful for a turnaround in form under the new gaffer. However, Amorim has yet to make a significant impact, managing only two victories, one draw and four losses in the Premier League since assuming control.
His latest setback was a 2-0 drubbing by Wolves at Molineux on Thursday (December 26), a match that remained goalless until Fernandes received his second yellow card 47 minutes into the game.
The Portuguese midfield wizard, already cautioned, collided with Nelson Semedo after losing the ball near the Wolves penalty area. Fernandes raised his arms in frustration before trudging off the pitch, and Amorim’s reaction – or lack thereof – as he passed him on the touchline spoke volumes.
Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock for Wolves just 11 minutes after Fernandes’ expulsion, delivering a lethal corner from the left that bypassed the United defence and beat a stranded Andre Onana, who was blocked off by Matt Doherty and Santiago Bueno.
United’s nightmare deepened in the dying moments when Alejandro Garnacho lost possession to Tommy Doyle, who launched a ball down the wing for Cunha.
In a devastating two-on-one, Cunha charged at Onana with Martinez on his heels before laying it on a plate for Hwang Hee-chan to nail Wolves’ victory with 99 on the clock, reports the Mirror.
As for Fernandes, he’ll sit out of the upcoming rumble with Newcastle on Monday (December 30) after his third red card this season, following send-offs against Spurs and Porto — though his Tottenham dismissal was later rescinded.
Amorim spilled his thoughts to Amazon Prime Video post-match: “I think he cannot go to the ball. He’s trying to reach the ball and some guys are not even looking at the ball but I don’t want to focus on that.
“I think the good thing is we were near the goal, even with 10 men. That is a good thing, but we lost. It’s so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it’s more difficult. We have to focus on that.”