'No Complaints' Over Red Card

Sir Alex Ferguson conceded that Jonny Evans’ sending-off against Bolton was a justified decision by referee Andre Marriner.

The Northern Ireland international defender contested a 50-50 challenge with Trotters midfielder Stuart Holden, but was red-carded by Marriner after his studs-up attempt to win the ball wounded the American.

Sir Alex admitted a degree of sympathy for his player – who now misses next month's games against West Ham, Fulham and Manchester City – but ultimately understood Marriner’s decision.

“I think the referee’s sent him off because the player’s got a bad injury,” the Boss told MUTV. “I don’t think it was a malicious tackle; the two of them went for the same ball, but his boot was raised off the ground – as was the Bolton player’s – and he’s caught the lad.

“You can’t have a 100 percent complaint about the sending off, because once you raise your foot you’re putting yourself in a dangerous area. The boy’s got a bad gash, so that justifies the referee sending him off.

"Jonny Evans is not that type of player, we know that, but I don’t think we can have a real complaint. It was unfortunate maybe.”