Europa League rules explained after Bruno Fernandes red card as Man United ban revealed

Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second game in a row during Manchester United's dramatic 3-3 draw against Porto on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag's woes went from bad to worse when they blew a two-goal lead and then lost their captain less than 10 minutes from time while they were chasing an equaliser. Although his red card against Tottenham was later overturned, Fernandes has now been dismissed twice within four days.

Fortunately for United, Fernandes will be available for the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday. As UEFA rules explain, anyone handed a red card is banned for the next match in a UEFA club competition. It means that the 30-year-old will miss the Europa League game against Fenerbahce later this month instead.

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"As a rule, a player or team official sent off by the referee is automatically suspended for the next match in a UEFA club competition (i.e. UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League or UEFA Super Cup)," UEFA states. "In the event of a serious offence, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body is entitled to augment this punishment, including by extending it to other competitions."

Fernandes was sent off for two bookable offences against Porto. Both were for a high boot, with the second coming as he attempted to turn the ball into the back of the net. The dismissal has not been deemed as a 'serious offence' by UEFA, meaning he will be available for the two matches against Aston Villa and Brentford before the trip to Jose Mourinho's Fenerbache on Thursday, October 24.

United got off to the perfect start at Estadio do