While Bruno Fernandes has not yet registered the goal contributions he would've hoped for this season, the Manchester United midfielder has still been in impressive form, and has quickly became one of Erik ten Hag's most reliable performers.
The 28-year-old midfielder, who recorded 10 goals and 14 assists last campaign, has featured in every single match for the Reds this term, and has started on 17 occasions. Alongside Christian Eriksen, and recently Casemiro, Fernandes has performed well for United in recent weeks.
He will, therefore, be missed on Sunday afternoon when he will be forced to watch the Reds' clash with Aston Villa from the sidelines after picking up his fifth booking of the season last weekend. The former Sporting man is certainly someone who plays on the edge, and very few people want to change that about him, but his importance to the side is unquestionable, and the team cannot afford to be without the midfielder on too many occasions.
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Fernandes was cautioned late on for a foul on Jarrod Bowen during United's 1-0 victory over West Ham, with the player having been walking a disciplinary tightrope since being booked in the goalless draw with Newcastle United.
In July, the Portuguese international spoke about the importance of discipline within the dressing room, admitting the team had previously been lacking it as he backed Ten Hag to bring some authority to the side this season. The Dutchman has brought an intense approach to training and has shown the players who is boss with his demands for discipline, both on and off the pitch.
"I think we missed that for a while, and I think, for me, the way I see discipline is important," said Fernandes during pre-season.
"For me, discipline is not only the way you play on the pitch, the position that you have, what you have to do, it's also off the pitch – don't be late for the meetings, don't be late for the meals.
"I think that's really important because if everyone is on time and someone comes late, he should be punished and I think that's really good that he's doing that and for me amazing, because I like to be on time, so I won't have problems with that."
Fernandes is unlikely to change how he plays, and Ten Hag, as well as the Reds faithful, will not want him to. However, with United pushing hard for a top-four spot, it is important that the midfielder is out on the field as often as possible, rather than watching from the stands.
His fellow midfielder Scott McTominay has also received five bookings this campaign, while right-back Diogo Dalot has been carded on four occasions. Several players have been shown a yellow three times, with a number of others having been booked twice.
The only benefit to Fernandes being suspended is the timing of it. With United facing off against a struggling Aston Villa, the Reds will back themselves to win the clash - with, or without, Fernandes. It also provides an opportunity for the club's other midfielders, with Fred expected to start in place of the 28-year-old on Sunday.
Given that he will be absent this weekend, Fernandes could play from the start against Villa in the EFL Cup on Thursday night. Alternatively, Ten Hag might opt to give the former Sporting man a well-deserved mini-break before the season pauses for the World Cup in Qatar later this month.
With the second-half of the Premier League season promising to be as exciting and compelling as the first-half, it is vital that United have their best players available as often as possible. Injury issues are inevitable, but some yellow cards can certainly be avoided.
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