Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes reveals frustration over tiff before missed penalty vs Fulham
The match against Fulham brought another disappointing evening for Manchester United. Mason Mount was brought down in the penalty box by Calvin Bassey in the first half, and with the help of VAR, referee Chris Kavanagh awarded a penalty. Everything seemed to be going the right way for United.
Bruno Fernandes placed the ball on the spot and went about his routine. However, a strange incident happened when the referee accidentally bumped into Fernandes. Bruno reset the ball, took the shot, and the ball went over the bar. It was his first missed penalty since the end of 2023, and United’s chance to take the lead was over. The match eventually ended 1-1, and the team suffered another disappointing result.
Bruno Fernandes’ reaction and United’s situation
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Fernandes said that he was upset at that moment. He clarified that every penalty taker has their own rhythm, and his rhythm was broken at that time. The United captain admitted that the referee did not apologise after the collision, and that is what hurt him more.
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes reveals frustration over tiff before missed penalty vs Fulham.
Bruno Fernandes reacts after missing a crucial penalty against Fulham
The 30-year-old also said that although this incident affected him, the real reason for missing the penalty was his wrong kick, in which the foot went under the ball, and the shot went up. Fernandes himself admitted that he is responsible for this, and the referee incident cannot be taken as an excuse. (Via Manchester Evening News).
On being upset before the penalty:
“Yeah, I was upset. [Like] every penalty taker, you have your own routine and things that you do.”
On the referee not apologising:
“It upset me because the referee didn’t apologise, and that was what triggered me in the moment, but that’s not an excuse to miss a penalty.”
On why he missed the penalty:
“I just had a very bad hit of the ball I took my foot too under the ball, and that’s why it went over the bar.”
United’s current condition are even more worrying. Last season, the team finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final to Spurs. The new season has also started with a defeat and a draw. As a captain, Fernandes’ responsibility has increased even more, but his irritation and constant pressure on the field show that the team still need both stability and confidence. Off the field, Al-Ittihad also remain keen on signing Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, United fans are once again haunted by the same question that when will their team show their true identity?
Bruno Fernandes’ anger is understandable because even a small disruption to a player’s routine can have an impact. Still, getting distracted in a crucial situation like a penalty does not send the right message for a captain. A small behaviour by a referee can trigger a player, but the leader of a big team has to be stronger in such moments.
Fernandes himself admitted that this is not an excuse, which shows his honesty, but the question is whether he is mentally strong enough to pull United out of the current crisis. In our opinion, Bruno has the ability, but he needs to control his emotions more.
Manchester United currently need a captain who can lead the team to victory even under pressure, and he has to step up in his overall performances and impact in the game as well if the team have to get back on the right track. Meanwhile, Manchester United have ended their pursuit of Aston Villa ace Emiliano Martinez this summer.