Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for Manchester United last Sunday but Ruben Amorim had no doubts that he'd score when the Red Devils desperately needed him against Burnley
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim couldn't hide his emotions(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim didn't watch as Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take a 97th-penalty against Burnley - but knew that he'd score anyway. Manchester United, who were winless after their first three games of the season, profited from a last-gasp VAR decision in Saturday's Premier League clash.
The Red Devils had thrown away the lead twice at Old Trafford, as Burnley looked on course to come away a 2-2 draw. But when Jaidon Anthony pulled Amad's shirt inside the penalty area deep into stoppage time, referee Sam Barrott was instructed to go over to the pitch-side monitor.
After a lengthy check, Barrott pointed to the spot and Fernandes grabbed the ball. Only last Sunday, the 30-year-old blazed a penalty over the crossbar during the Red Devils' deflating 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Although he'd scored twice in the midweek penalty shootout against Grimsby Town, Fernandes still had unfinished business from the spot. And he did, burying his shot past Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who'd guessed right but couldn't keep it out of the net.
While drama was unfolding, Amorim couldn't watch and rested his legs on the dugout. When the ball hit the back of the net, the United manager wasn't celebrating like the rest of Old Trafford but rather keeping a composed figure.
On why he didn't watch the penalty, Amorim explained to Premier League Productions: "I like to see the image of the fans. What has to be has to be. In that moment, I was thinking, it would be fair to win the game. And I did not think Bruno would miss a second in a row."
The Portuguese coach was then asked if he was thinking of his future as Red Devils boss when Fernandes stepped up. "No, I was just thinking Bruno was not going to miss," Amorim replied.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scores his teams third goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes made no mistake from the spot
On the game itself, which had plenty of pros and cons for Amorim to consider, he said: "It is three points, if you look at the game we should solve it in the first half and control the game - but we are fighting to the last minute because of things we overcomplicate.
"Look at the first half, we have so many chances to score. You feel you can control the game. But one throw in, one set piece. I shook my head, because sometimes football is like this. We now have two weeks with a lot of opportunities. This was a game we had to win, but we have a lot to do."
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