Man Utd handed new Bruno Fernandes punishment verdict after Man City controversy

Bruno Fernandes should have also been sent off after his exchange with Phil Foden , according to Alan Shearer. The Manchester derby began with United midfielder Fernandes being kicked by Foden in the first half.

After Fernandes went down clutching his mid-section, Foden was handed a straight red card. However, the City ace appeared to have been provoked by a petty little kick from Fernandes, who left his foot in while the England international was on the floor.

The United captain did not receive any penalty and City were reduced to ten-men. The Cityzens still went on to win the game through Erling Haaland's controversial late strike.

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Nevertheless, Shearer believes Fernandes should have also been dismissed for provoking the incident. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: "I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic. He helped get Foden off and, yes, he's kicked out at him a little bit but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden.

"If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards. So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are.

"He's kicked out, so he's stupid, OK? But Bruno Fernandes has done the same thing so for me, without doubt, they both should've been a red card if Michael Oliver thinks Phil Foden's is a red card."

City manager Enzo Maresca reached the same conclusion as Shearer. Speaking after the final whistle, he said: "Phil's card is a red card, but I also think the same action is a red card by Bruno.

"I think reviewing the action, and I reviewed it immediately, it is a clear red card for Phil because it is a reaction. But you can also see Bruno [foul Foden]. But anyway, it is what it is. Red card, but we won.

"Last year I was here with Chelsea and we had red card after three minutes, so next time I was hoping for a different story. We had a plan for 11 vs. 11, but after the red card, the game completely changed, but also for them.

"They [United] love transition and space in behind, but the game became more difficult with us and them We just drop, no space in behind and no more transition which is why the game was also more difficult for them."

Foden now faces a three-match suspension following his straight red card, unless City opt to challenge the ruling. He is expected to sit out the League Cup clash against Norwich City , the home fixture against Sunderland on September 20 and the away trip to Liverpool on October 11.