Ange Postecoglou gives honest opinion of Bruno Fernandes' red card for Man Utd

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou claimed Bruno Fernandes' sending off was "a consequence" of how his team played in their thumping 3-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday evening.

Spurs turned on the style at Old Trafford as they got in front inside three minutes through Brennan Johnson before United skipper Bruno Fernandes saw red for a high boot on James Maddison. The London outfit took full advantage as Dejan Kulusevski prodded home the second after the break before Dominic Solanke made it three.

Fernandes insisted after the game it was "never a red", saying it was a foul but not a dismissal, but Postecoglou refused to wade into the debate over whether it was a fair sending off - instead choosing to focus on how it came after Spurs put United under "enormous" pressure.

"I think it was a consequence of how we were going in the game," he said. "Just putting enormous pressure on them. The amount of chances that we were creating, we weren't letting them get out of their half. It was a strong all-round performance."

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes ignores Premier League protocol to make anger clear about red card

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag responds to Man Utd sack fears after Tottenham thrashing

The Australian coach admitted his side should have scored a few more than they did but praised his players for their quick start and controlling the game after United went down to ten men.

"I thought it was an outstanding performance," he added. "Started the game really well, scored a great goal, should have had two or three and been away. They get a red card and we control the game really well. Just an outstanding effort from the lads.

Fernandes was adamant it wasn't a red, telling the media after the game: "I agree that it is a foul but it is never a [sending off]. The referee tried to tell me that as he saw it was a clear contact with the studs, no. I didn't touch him with the studs or even the foot, it was my ankle. It is a clear foul."

The result heaps huge pressure on United boss Erik ten Hag after United were dealt back-to-back 3-0 home defeats - having lost to Liverpool by the same score the last time they played here in the Premier League.

But Ten Hag was defiant in his post match press conference, insisting the club's owners - headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - are still behind him having decided to stick with the Dutchman this summer.

"No I am not thinking about [being sacked]. We all made this decision to stay together in summer, as ownership group, leadership group. Also we made the decision, after a clear review, what we have to improve as an organisation and how to construct a squad.

"All the decisions were made in togetherness, also knowing it would take some time. We are all there on one page, one boat, the ownership, the leadership group, the staff, players too."

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