Michael Owen questions whether Bruno Fernandes ‘fancied’ Liverpool clash as booking v Bournemouth rules him out of game
MICHAEL OWEN has taken the bold position of asking whether Bruno Fernandes “fancied” Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool next week.
The Manchester United captain picked up his fifth yellow card of the season this weekend and will miss the trip to Anfield due to a one game suspension.
EPAFernandes will miss the trip to Anfield[/caption]
The yellow card was for arguing with the referee, leading to claims it could have easily been avoided.
United fell to a 3-0 loss to the Cherries after Dominic Solanke‘s opening goal within the first five minutes.
The Cherries struck twice in the second half to pile the pressure on Ten Hag after a season characterised by up and down form.
Michael Owen was on punditry duty for Premier League productions and said as part of his analysis: “I wonder how many yellow cards he’s had for dissent and waving his arms about.”
He then controversially questioned Fernandes’ willingness to lead his team out at Anfield.
He said: “Possibly you don’t fancy going to Anfield. I wouldn’t at the moment. I’m not sure you’re thinking of the next game when you’re in the thick of playing.
“He should be responsible, he should be a good ambassador, a leader for the team. We all know referees are clamping down on that and he gets booked an awful lot for a player who hardly puts his foot in and tackles really, he gets booked an awful lot.”
Fernandes’ absence will be felt by Ten Hag, who now finds himself fighting to save his job again.
Before their trip to Anfield, United host Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which will they need to win to have any hope of either progressing to the knockouts or dropping into the Europa League.
Liverpool are now top of the Premier League and on the title hunt again after yesterday’s win over Crystal Palace.
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