Fernandes maintains confidence: will continue as United’s penalty taker

Bruno Fernandes Will Maintain His Role as Penalty Taker at Manchester United

Despite recent misses, Bruno Fernandes will remain the primary penalty taker for Manchester United, as confirmed by coach Ruben Amorim. Fernandes has struggled from the penalty spot this season, missing shots against Fulham and Brentford. The slip-up at Craven Cottage resulted in a 1-1 draw, while the error against Brentford occurred when the score was 2-1 before the home team extended the lead to 3-1. Amorim, who will lead his team to face Liverpool this Sunday, has assured that Fernandes will be in charge of penalties at Anfield.

He is the main scorer. He scores many goals. If necessary, we can change. But I fully trust that Bruno will solve that.

Ruben Amorim

The image shows Bruno Fernandes, who will continue to be Amorim’s first choice for penalties.

Fernandes’ two misses, added to Bryan Mbeumo’s error in the Carabao Cup penalty shootout against Grimsby Town, have been costly for Amorim in this difficult start to the season. The Portuguese midfielder did manage to convert a penalty in the 3-2 victory over Burnley in August. Before this season, his last penalty miss in the Premier League was against Chelsea in December 2023. Amorim acknowledges the difficulty this represents for Fernandes, but trusts in his ability to overcome this hurdle.

I know it’s not easy for him. But I think he’s taken 70 penalties. He misses about eight. Two with me. So I’m really annoyed about that. But he’s very confident. He’s training penalties. He’s trying to understand that people are watching the way he takes penalties. He’ll be ready.

Ruben Amorim

Fernandes is a sure starter against Liverpool on Sunday, in a match where United will seek their first win at Anfield since 2016. The situation is different for Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, who have had few opportunities this season. There is speculation about the possibility that both players could leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, but Amorim has insisted that he “needs everyone” in his squad. The coach understands the media noise and expectations, but emphasizes the importance of maintaining team unity.