Marcus Rashford's form suddenly dropped off a cliff when he was given a lucrative new contract and history might be repeating itself with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes this season.

Fernandes' finishing at the end of the first half against Bournemouth was poor - he wasted two big chances - and that game might have had a different outcome if he'd found the net.

His bad week then continued against Wolves on Boxing Day. Just minutes after play resumed following half-time, Fernandes was shown a second yellow card for a daft challenge on Nelson Semedo and he still insisted on protesting the decision with referee Tony Harrington.

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The decision was reviewed by VAR and Fernandes received his marching orders, passing over the armband to Lisandro Martinez before he trudged off the pitch.

Ruben Amorim's reaction was telling. Amorim completely blanked Fernandes as he came off the pitch and he did the exact same to Rashford when he made his last appearance.

Amorim has been all smiles in press conferences but he has a ruthless side to him and he sent a message to Fernandes with his body language. United's head coach was furious because his appointed leader in the dressing room had let the team down in a moment of madness.

Fernandes didn't have to make the challenge and was always unlikely to win the ball. Semedo was bound to win the duel and it was no surprise to see Fernandes receive his third red card of the season, which is a remarkable statistic considering he'd never been sent off for United before this season.

United are being dragged into a relegation battle this season and Fernandes, who has been so consistent since signing from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, isn't having a great campaign.

It's certainly not a great look that Fernandes has let the team down a few times after signing a bumper new contract in August, though he did deserve his new deal.

Fernandes' contract was only extended by a year - the expiry date was moved from 2026 to 2027 - but he received a pay rise to reflect his status as one of the club's best players.

The problem is Fernandes hasn't played like a player worthy of those wages. His performances haven't been at a high level and his wastefulness in possession clashes with Amorim's plan.

Fernandes is not the only underperforming player in the dressing room by any means, but he holds himself to impeccable standards and he's currently falling short of that benchmark.

He will regret his sending off against Wolves and no doubt apologise to his teammates, who are struggling to move into the top half of the table. United's defeat against Wolves left the club in 14th position in the table with perennial Premier League punchline Everton just five points behind.

There is a trend at Old Trafford of players receiving new contracts and underperforming. It is something United's new football structure need to be wary of moving forward.

Fernandes will be desperate to make up for another sending off. United need him to get back to his best.