'Do you know the rules?' - Bruno Fernandes snipes back at journalist over controversial red card in Man Utd's Europa League win at Athletic Club

Fernandes did not hold back following United’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Athletic in the first leg of the semi-final tie, engaging in a heated post-match exchange with a Spanish journalist over the sending off of Vivian. The Red Devils skipper firmly corrected the journalist's interpretation of the law, emphasizing that Vivian’s dismissal was correct under UEFA guidelines.

The flashpoint arrived after a lengthy VAR check determined that Vivian had denied a goal-scoring opportunity by bringing down Hojlund without making a play for the ball. Referee Espen Eskas subsequently awarded United a penalty and showed Vivian a straight red card.

The decision was met with criticism by the Spanish media and Athletic’s bench. While responding to the line of questioning, Fernandes asked directly: "Why wasn't it a red card? Do you know the rules?"

He added: "If he tries to tackle with his feet it's a yellow card. If he pushes him or does it with his hands, it has to be a red card."

Fernandes, who converted the 37th-minute penalty before adding a second eight minutes later, stuck the knife in further after he was pushed for comment on the contentious incident in the build-up to the spot-kick.

Despite United’s commanding performance, their Basque hosts were left fuming over what they believed to be an overlooked handball in the lead-up to the penalty. The players and coaching staff protested vigorously after Alejandro Garnacho was accused of handling the ball moments before Vivian’s foul on Hojlund.

Speaking after the match, Athletic's head coach Ernesto Valverde voiced his frustration: “We protested a handball by Garnacho. I think the ball hit his hand… but the referee decided it was a penalty and a red card [for Vivian]."

However, when asked about the alleged handball by Garnacho, Fernandes played down the accusations and reminded the press of a potential foul on the Argentine that went unpunished earlier.

"I didn't see it, but I think there was also a penalty on Garnacho," he added. "Talking about the referee here, I think it's a custom in Spain and Portugal, but I'm in England and my mind has changed a long time ago and I'm not going to do it. The referees are like us, they make mistakes, but I don't think he made a mistake today."

United’s dominant first-leg performance gives them a commanding three-goal advantage heading into the return fixture at Old Trafford on May 8. With the Europa League trophy offering a direct path to next season’s Champions League, Ruben Amorim’s men are just two wins away from ensuring top-flight European football next season.