Chris Kavanagh's Man United record may surprise some as decision made after Bruno Fernandes red

Referee Chris Kavanagh has received backlash for the red card shown to Bruno Fernandes – but he has not always been on the wrong side of the Manchester United fanbase.

United star Fernandes was sent off for a perceived high tackle on Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison in Sunday's 3-0 hammering. While it was clear the skipper had slipped and caught the midfielder with his ankle, Kavanagh was not asked by VAR to review his decision. Erik ten Hag’s side were already 1-0 down when Fernandes was dismissed on the 42nd minute, and Spurs added another two goals after the half-time break.

The referee’s call has since been overturned after a successful appeal, meaning the Portugal international will be available for United’s next league game away at Aston Villa on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Premier League decided Kavanagh will remain on duty this weekend. The official was the obvious subject of boos at Old Trafford on Sunday, though his record shows that he has previously made some huge calls that went in United’s favour.

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Kavanagh has officiated 16 United games during his career, with the club winning nine, drawing three and losing four. He has also awarded five penalties to United – most notably, the infamous spot kick against Brighton that was given after the final whistle had been blown, which ultimately sealed a 3-2 win for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team in September 2020.

Fernandes’ red card was the first one Kavanagh had given to a United player while showing three to opposition players, including reducing Fulham to nine men