Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty during Manchester United’s draw with Fulham.
Manchester United fans have learned over the years that Bruno Fernandes is an emotional player, and usually that benefits the team, with his desire and will to win combining with his playmaking.
But just occasionally it can backfire, when Fernandes’ emotions hinder the team, when he is off his game.
United fans saw this against Fulham after Fernandes missed a penalty. Head coach Ruben Amorim saw it too – yet left him on the pitch.
Casemiro consoles a dejected Bruno Fernandes
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
What Ruben Amorim said about Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes appeared to lose his concentration when the referee accidentally bumped into him before his spot-kick. He blazed it over, his first miss since 2023.
Fernandes appeared emotionally distressed afterwards, and he did not play well. He created only one chance, low by his standards, and failed to track the runner for Fulham’s equaliser.
Ruben Amorim spoke after the game to try and explain Fernandes’ performance and mindset, and admitted he was affected.
Amorim said: “I think he is not used to missing penalties. He knows the importance that this moment can have [and make a] huge impact on the team.
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“During the game he was not happy because he was not involved and he has so much responsibility and I think he thought missing the penalty was huge for us.”
Amorim should have taken Fernandes off, and brought Mainoo on
The biggest complaint among United fans following the game was that young talent Kobbie Mainoo did not come off the bench, again.
Keeping a talent like Mainoo on the sidelines is one thing if you are winning games, but with just one point from two games, there is scrutiny.
Mainoo is viewed as the substitute who should replace Fernandes in midfield, rather than play alongside him.
The issue with that, is the coach’s total reluctance to bring Fernandes off, limiting Mainoo’s opportunity window.
Amorim admitted Fernandes was struggling emotionally as the game went away from United, he saw the problem.
And yet despite this, he chose to keep Fernandes on, and leave Mainoo on the bench.
It’s a decision which ends up looking smart if Fernandes conjures up a winning goal in stoppage time, but that did not happen, and Amorim’s call now looks more and more like a mistake.