Bruno Fernandes Avoids Punishment For Aiming Punch At James Ward-Prowse

Bruno Fernandes avoided punishment after appearing to aim a punch at Southampton skipper James Ward-Prowse in Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Southampton.

Fernandes cut a frustrated figure as United dropped points after taking the lead for the third game running.

And in the second half, he was lucky to have not been dismissed following an incident with Ward-Prowse.

The England midfielder was holding on to Fernandes during a duel off the ball and the United No.18 angrily lashed out.

There was a clear swing from Fernandes, who appeared to have plenty of intent but failed to connect to Ward-Prowse.

#brunofernandes 🐀🥊 pic.twitter.com/SY078Z879B

— Charlie Farley ® (@charlie__farley) February 12, 2022

pic.twitter.com/veERuV63w2

— James John (@JamesJohn2427) February 12, 2022

No action was taken against Fernandes and there was no suggestion that the incident was referred to VAR.

And fans could not believe Fernandes got away with an action that definitely fit the "violent conduct" criteria:

So Bruno Fernandes went to punch Ward Prowse and gets away with it but Martinelli gives a little shove and gets two yellows 😂😂😂

— Jack Martin (@96JackMartin) February 12, 2022

If that was Xhaka throwing a punch instead of Bruno Fernandes it would be a red card all day long

— Jack Ryan Miller (@jackryanmiller) February 12, 2022

Bruno Fernandes is allowed to punch players and get away with it?! What the hell are we witnessing ?

— Lewis ⚽️ (@AFCL27) February 12, 2022

Bruno Fernandes literally tries to punch someone and doesn't even get a yellow. Interesting officiating here. #MUNSOU

— Matt 🦁 ⚽️ ⭐️⭐️ (@MattCFC90) February 12, 2022

Are we all just overlooking the fact Bruno Fernandes just threw a punch at James Ward Prowse?

— LUKE (@luketaylortcd) February 12, 2022

Bruno Fernandes actually threw a punch and got away with it? 😂 https://t.co/9clw4CX0LF

— RK (@RidarKh) February 12, 2022

How has @B_Fernandes8 not been sent off for serious foul play? He just full on swung a punch at ward prowse? Come on now this is a joke!!! With Utd ever get a red like arsenal? @premierleague

— H. AFC 🔴 (@henswun) February 12, 2022

United went 1-0 up in the first half through Jadon Sancho, who scored his first Premier League goal at Old Trafford.

But Southampton sensed United were vulnerable early on in the second half and levelled matters courtesy of Che Adams, who slotted past David De Gea to finish off a glorious move from the visitors.

The result means United remain in fifth and level on points with West Ham, who travel to Leicester City on Sunday.