Paul Scholes brands Bruno Fernandes moment 'stupid' after Manchester United win vs Real Betis

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes suggested Bruno Fernandes was fortunate to avoid a red card after a 'stupid' challenge on Real Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

Erik ten Hag's side secured an impressive 4-1 victory over the Spanish side in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Old Trafford. It was the perfect response from the Reds, with United having been thrashed 7-0 by Liverpool on Sunday. Marcus Rashford, Antony, Fernandes and Wout Weghorst were all on target for the home side.

During the second half, with United comfortably in the lead, Fernandes chased down a ball which Bravo got to first and ultimately cleared. The Portuguese ace lunged and caught the shot-stopper high on his shin.

ALSO READ: Ten Hag claims Antony improved six things in second half for United

Fernandes was certainly looking to win the ball, but Scholes claimed it was a stupid thing to do, especially with the team in control of the game and risks not worth taking. The Reds legend was keen to praise the United midfielder's overall performance, but he suggested that he was lucky to get away with his challenge.

"There was one slight incident that was out of character a little bit and he possibly got away with," Scholes said on BT Sport. "He does go over the top, but it was the side of his boot that catches him, not his studs. But it was a stupid thing to do because the game was comfortable and he has got slightly lucky.

"He’s gone right over the top of the ball and into his shin. It was just a bit stupid, there was no need for it, they were up in the game. A little bit of a risk and a gamble that he didn’t need to take."

Former United man Owen Hargreaves, meanwhile, dismissed the challenge, saying: "It’s not a red. It’s a