Bruno Fernandes was sent off for the second time in as many games as Manchester United drew 3-3 with Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.

The Portugal international was sent off for two bookable offenses at the Estadio do Dragao – just days after he was charged with an offence just red for a dangerous tackle in United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday. He was later banned for three games for this sending off overturned on appealbut he was given his marching orders again as United struggled to avoid another defeat against Porto.

Fernandes was sent off in the 81st minute when he was shown a second yellow card for a high foot that caught defender Nehuen Perez.

United were 3-2 down when he was substituted, having led 2-0 within 20 minutes.

A loss would have increased that Pressure on manager Erik ten Hag After a difficult start to the season, substitute Harry Maguire saved the tie with a header in the first minute of added time.

“We started the game very well, dominated and scored two good goals, but then we lost control,” said Ten Hag. “The start was good, the middle part wasn’t good and we finished very well.

“You can see again that the team is willing and has strong character, but we have to improve in the middle section, the defense.”

Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund had given United an early 2-0 lead before Pepe Aquino and Samu Omorodion equalized at half-time.

Omorodion then gave Porto the lead five minutes into the second half.

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AP Football: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer