Sure, Sergio Aguero didn’t need much prompting to hit the deck, but Marouane Fellaini could’ve had no complaints.
Seconds after being booked for a foul on the Argentine, he followed another foul up with what appeared to be a headbutt on the City striker – making absolutely sure that Martin Atkinson would be flashing a red card in his direction.
It could’ve been more damaging to his teammates on the night. Any hope of a United win died with Fellaini’s dismissal as City went in search of a late winner. Despite this, United stood firm, securing a point that keeps their top four hopes in their hands.
While many of the club’s supporters were quick to criticise the Belgian for the sending off, others appeared happy that the dismissal would lead to a suspension.
Fellaini suspended, what a blessing
— Reece Shields (@reeceshieldss) April 27, 2017
3 points woulda been nice but sure look ….Point away at City and Fellaini suspended for 3 games!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻😂 #MUFC
— Graham Dixon (@GrahamDixon01) April 27, 2017
Fellaini getting suspended for our next 3 matches is the best thing he did all night #MUFC #ManchesterDerby
— Cathal Farrell (@cathalfarrell87) April 27, 2017
Best news is Fellaini will be suspended for 4 or 5 games #ManchesterDerby #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/hkAZWmH22o
— Nino (@Nino2380) April 27, 2017
The only positive from the Manchester Derby…We have three games where Fellaini will be suspended ⚽️🙈🙌🏽
— Amjad Sultan (@TheSultan86) April 27, 2017
https://twitter.com/MarcHutchy/status/857700782271066116
Fellaini will miss United’s next three domestic games as a result of the incident, and while some supporters were seeing his absence as a positive, it’s yet another player that Jose Mourinho won’t be able to call on in the weeks ahead.
Already without top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juan Mata and central defenders Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, United’s squad is being stretched.
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888Sport Football Friday Live
