Manchester United have successfully appealed the red card handed out to their captain Bruno Fernandes in the 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Fernandes was sent off by referee Chris Kavanagh for a lunge on James Maddison shortly before half time, with the Red Devils already 1-0 down.
Even though the foot was high, replays showed that stoods did not make contact with Maddison's leg, but VAR opted not to get involved to overturn the on-field decision.
Man United would go on to struggle in the second half, playing with a man light, conceding two more goals to Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke, and an xG of 5.33 across the 90 minutes - the highest of any away Premier League team in over two years.
© Imago
Man United win appeal against Fernandes suspension
In an official club statement, Man United revealed they have made a successful claim on grounds of wrongful dismissal against Fernandes in Sunday's encounter.
The red card, which was given out for violent conduct, was Fernandes's first in his United career, and would have seen him miss the upcoming games against Aston Villa, Brentford and West Ham United.
However, the successful appeal means he is set to feature in their visit to Villa Park at the weekend, which comes three days after a trip to his homeland to face Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
Fernandes has had a tough time of things so far this season, squandering more than one good chance on the opening day against Fulham, and leading the team out in a humbling 3-0 defeat at home to bitter rivals Liverpool, before his sending off on Sunday.
Fernandes is yet to open his goalscoring account this season, and has registered just one Premier League assist after six games.
© Reuters
Some respite during a torrid week for Ten Hag
Having his captain available to him will be good news for manager Erik ten Hag, in a week that has been full of anything but positive reports around the Dutchman.
Sunday's heavy defeat has catapulted him to the top of markets regarding who will be the next Premier League manager to leave, following back-to-back 3-0 home league defeats.
The Red Devils remain in the bottom half, and are just four points above the relegation zone, having won only seven points from six games so far this season.
Before going to Villa on Sunday, Ten Hag must see a response from his troops away to Porto on Thursday, as they are already playing catchup in their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Europa League league phase, after drawing 1-1 with Twente last week.
Andrew Delaney
