Ange Postecoglou believes Tottenham Hotspur’s dominance contributed to Bruno Fernandes red

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou suggested that Bruno Fernandes’ sending off in Spurs’ commanding 3-0 win over Manchester United was a direct result of the pressure his team put on the opposition. Spurs dominated proceedings at Old Trafford, with Brennan Johnson giving Tottenham an early lead before Fernandes received a red card for a high boot on James Maddison. Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke added two more goals as Postecoglou’s side ran riot.

Fernandes, however, remained defiant after the game, arguing that his red card was unjust. “It was never a red,” the Manchester United captain said. “I agree it was a foul, but not a sending off.” Despite his protests, Postecoglou chose not to dwell on the decision itself, instead emphasizing the control Tottenham had exerted over their opponents (h/t Mirror).

“I think it was a consequence of how we were going in the game. 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.”

Tottenham’s Dominance Exposed United’s Frailties

Postecoglou was full of praise for his side’s performance, particularly the way they started the game with intensity and forced United into mistakes. The Australian coach admitted that Tottenham could have been further ahead, but was pleased with how his team handled the game after United were reduced to ten men.

Despite United’s insistence that the red card was harsh, there was little to suggest that Fernandes’ dismissal changed the outcome of the match. Tottenham were firmly in control, with United’s inability to cope with the pace and fluidity of Spurs’ attack on full display. Fernandes’ sending-off may have given him an excuse to deflect attention from his underwhelming performance, but Tottenham’s dominance left no doubt about who were the superior team on the day.

Fernandes Fails to Lead, Spurs Capitalize

As Manchester United’s captain, Fernandes should have been rallying his teammates and trying to hold the line against Tottenham’s relentless pressure. Instead, his frustration boiled over, resulting in the red card that sealed United’s fate. Whether or not the decision was fair, Fernandes let his team down when they needed him most, and the lack of leadership from the skipper was evident as United crumbled under Spurs’ constant pressure.

Even with Fernandes on the pitch, there was little indication that United could have mounted a serious comeback. Tottenham’s performance was a testament to Postecoglou’s philosophy of intense, attacking football, and the gap between the two sides on the day was clear for all to see. For United, it was a missed opportunity, but for Tottenham, it was another step forward in what has been an impressive start to the season.

Tottenham’s Mentality Shines Through

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side showcased their growing strength and resilience at Old Trafford, with a performance that not only secured three points but also highlighted a potential shift in mentality. While Manchester United and Fernandes were left to bemoan a red card, Tottenham were relentless, taking full advantage of their dominance and leaving little doubt about their quality.

Fernandes’ defiance and failure to lead his team contrasted sharply with the composure and authority of Postecoglou’s Tottenham. With such performances, Tottenham are sending a message that they are ready to compete with the Premier League’s elite—and this time, they have the mentality to match their ambition.