It’s official now Manchester United Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sacked Erik Ten Hag during the interntional break and his replacement has been named.

The controversial moment in Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham came in the 42nd minute, when Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a challenge on James Maddison. Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red card after deeming his contact with Maddison’s shin as serious foul play.

The decision sparked widespread debate, with many feeling the red card was overly harsh. Fans and analysts noted that Fernandes appeared to lose his footing as he made the tackle, making it seem more dangerous than it was. They argued that while the tackle looked bad, there was no clear intent to cause harm.

Despite these arguments, VAR reviewed the incident and upheld Kavanagh’s decision. Some agreed with this outcome, citing the high contact and potential risk involved in the tackle, even if unintentional. However, others maintained that the slip was a key mitigating factor and that a red card was too severe.

The incident reignited discussions about inconsistent refereeing in the Premier League, with comparisons being drawn to similar tackles that were judged differently in previous matches.

Fernandes’ red card comes with significant consequences for Manchester United. The midfielder will now serve a three-match suspension in the Premier League, forcing him to miss upcoming games against Aston Villa, Brentford, and West Ham.

His absence will be a major blow to United’s midfield, where Fernandes plays a crucial role. Nevertheless, he will remain eligible for Europa League matches, allowing him to contribute to the team’s European campaign despite the domestic ban.

As with most controversial refereeing calls, social media erupted with divided opinions. Supporters of the red card argued that Fernandes’ tackle, regardless of intent, was dangerous enough to warrant his dismissal. They emphasized that player safety should always be the top priority in the Premier League.

On the other side, many fans and pundits saw the decision as an overreaction, believing that Fernandes’ slip should have been considered, and that a yellow card would have been more appropriate.

The debate over inconsistent refereeing continues, with critics pointing out that similar fouls in other matches have gone unpunished or received lesser sanctions. This inconsistency often leaves fans feeling that their teams are treated unfairly by officials.

For Manchester United, Fernandes’ red card not only affects their upcoming fixtures but also adds to the growing conversation about how refereeing decisions can shape a team’s season.