MANCHESTER UNITED fans raged at Jack Stephens for his reckless challenge on Alejandro Garnacho.
The Southampton defender was given his marching orders for a horror tackle on the Argentine international in the 79th minute of the St Mary’s showdown.
Stephens, 30, scythed down the winger with a ridiculously high challenge, catching his right knee with his studs.
The tackle, which came as Saints were 2-0 down, left Garnacho in agony.
The Manchester United bench leapt up in anger, although referee Stuart Atwell took his time before giving the Stephens his marching orders.
But that didn’t calm down the Old Trafford faithful, one of who wrote on X: “Nasty challenge on Garnacho.”
Another said: “Stupid as well as dangerous from Jack Stephens.”
And another said: “Jack Stephens with a horrendous tackle. Rightfully sent off.”
One remarked: “Disgusting.”
Another chimed in: “F**k off down the tunnel Jack Stephens.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Former Chelsea and England star Joe Cole had a pitchside view for the tackle and believes the Atwell had no choice but to send Stephens for an early shower.
The TNT Sports pundit said: “It looked horrendous from my angle. You knew he weren’t getting away from him.
“As a centre-half, Stephens doesn’t want to be there. Garnacho knocked the ball [past him].
“And he’s done it, Fletch, right in front of the Manchester United bench.
“And they’ve all jumped up and rightly so.
“The ref seen that and I feel the ref actually showed a lot of restraint in not giving it straight away and giving himself time to think.
“But for me, it’s an easy straight red.”
Things went from bad to worse for Stephens and Southampton as Garnacho bagged United’s third and final goal of the match.
Defeat to United has extended Saints’ winless start to the new season and left them toiling in 19th place in the table.
