Ange Postecoglou's honest response after being quizzed on Bruno Fernandes' red for Man Utd

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has hailed his team’s performance in their emphatic 3-0 victory over Man Utd, attributing Bruno Fernandes’ red card to the intense pressure Spurs put on their rivals during the match.

Spurs cruised at Old Trafford, taking an early lead through Brennan Johnson before United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off for a high challenge on James Maddison. Tottenham capitalised on their numerical advantage with Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke adding to the scoreline.

Despite Fernandes’ post-match claim that it was “never a red”, insisting it was merely a foul, Postecoglou side-stepped the controversy surrounding the decision, choosing instead to emphasise the relentless pressure his side applied – leading to United’s capitulation.

“I think it was a consequence of how we were going in the game,” he told Sky Sports. “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.”

The Australian coach also acknowledged that his team could have scored more but lauded his players for their rapid start and dominance after United were reduced to ten men.

“I thought it was an outstanding performance,” he continued. “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 he shouldn’t have been sent off, telling Sky Sports 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.”

In the aftermath of United’s consecutive 3-0 losses at home, first to Liverpool and then Tottenham, the spotlight intensifies on manager Erik ten Hag.

Despite the scrutiny, Ten Hag stood firm during his post-match media duties, maintaining that the club’s hierarchy, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, support his vision for the future: “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.”