Manchester United will be without Bruno Fernandes for next weekend's clash with Aston Villa after he picked up his fifth Premier League booking of the season during Sunday's 1-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international, who handed the captain's armband back to Harry Maguire after the latter was awarded his first league start since August against David Moyes' side, was cautioned late on for a foul on Jarrod Bowen. It marked his fifth booking of the campaign, meaning he will miss next weekend's trip to Villa Park, being forced to serve a one-match suspension.
Fernandes, who has scored just two goals so far this season, has played every minute for United in the Premier League so far this season, meaning manager Erik ten Hag will be forced into making an unwanted change against Villa. Fernandes had been walking a disciplinary tightrope since being booked in the goalless draw with Newcastle United two weeks ago.
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Fernandes, though, will be available for Thursday night's crunch Europa League showdown with Real Sociedad in Spain. United must win that game by a two-goal margin to win Group E and automatically qualify for the last-16 of the competition without the need for a play-off showdown against a third-placed Champions League club.
The Portugal international has started four of the Reds' first five Europa League matches this season, meaning he has played a key role in their quest to top the group. United beat Sheriff Tiraspol 3-0 on Thursday night to set up the huge clash with Sociedad.
Meanwhile, United right-back Diogo Dalot, who was excellent in the win over West Ham, is just one booking away from a one-match ban in the Premier League. He has been cautioned on four occasions so far this term.
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