Bruno Fernandes: Penalties and the Pressure of Manchester United

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has acknowledged the need to improve his penalty performance after a season of ups and downs from the spot, but insists he enjoys the pressure of playing for the club. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his reliability, has missed crucial penalties in United’s 1-1 draw against Fulham and in the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, contributing to a difficult start to the season in the Premier League.

This season, out of three penalties, I ended up missing two. I don’t want to miss any. It’s something I need to study better. I will always do it with full conviction because there is a coach who trusts me.

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes was frustrated by Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher during United’s defeat in West London on September 27. When asked about the possibility of facing Kelleher when Portugal faces the Republic of Ireland, Fernandes commented:

Every day is a good day to settle scores. He was stronger. He did very well, and I didn’t. But it’s not something that affects my head. In a football team, there is something bigger than individuality. Winning is much more important than settling scores with the Irish goalkeeper.

Bruno Fernandes

The United beat Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford last weekend, climbing to tenth place in the table and easing the pressure on the coach. Fernandes, 31 years old, does not consider that joining the Portuguese national team is a way to escape the noise that comes with playing for United.

They are different things. Here, it’s being at home, it’s speaking Portuguese, it’s eating Portuguese food. It makes me feel good. But I feel good in Manchester, I love the pressure. It means the goal is bigger, and I am a person who enjoys challenges.

Bruno Fernandes

The player added:

I love representing the national team, it’s a source of pride. The pressure is the same whether I play for Portugal or for my club. The goal is the same: to win.

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes, who is in his sixth full season with United, turned down an offer to join Al Hilal in the summer.

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The coach’s decision to position Fernandes in a deeper midfield role instead of his usual number 10 position has been debated, but Fernandes sees benefits in playing in both positions.

I like to play football, regardless of the position, I will give my best. Everyone has favorite positions. In a space with a lot of quality, you have to adapt. I played these positions with coach Jorge Jesus at Sporting. When you see from the front, you can find more space, the risk is lower.

Bruno Fernandes

The player concluded: When I play as a number 10, the goal is to create plays, to finish. I adapt to the team’s game. The most important thing is to win, I want to play as well as possible. Portugal has won its two World Cup qualifying matches and leads Group F.