Fernandes remains as United’s penalty taker despite misses

Bruno Fernandes Will Keep Penalty Duties at Manchester United

Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes will continue to be in charge of taking penalties for Manchester United, despite having missed twice this season, according to coach Ruben Amorim. Fernandes has made mistakes since the penalty against Fulham and Brentford, which has cost the team valuable points. In the match against Fulham, the mistake resulted in a 1-1 draw, while against Brentford, the error occurred when the score was 2-1, before the home team extended the lead. Amorim has assured that Fernandes will be in charge of penalties in the next match against Liverpool. “He is the main pitcher,” Amorim declared. The coach added that, although there is the possibility of making changes, he fully trusts that Fernandes will resolve the situation.

Fernandes’ two misses, added to Bryan Mbeumo’s error in the penalty shootout defeat in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby Town, have proven costly for Amorim at the start of the season. Despite these errors, Fernandes scored 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.

“I know it’s not easy for him,” Amorim commented.

Ruben Amorim

The coach added that Fernandes is working on penalties and remains confident that he will improve. Fernandes will be a starter against Liverpool on Sunday, in a match where United will seek their first victory at Anfield since 2016. Regarding Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, who have had few opportunities this season, there are rumors about a possible departure in the January transfer window, but Amorim has insisted that he needs all the players in his squad. The coach also acknowledged the constant speculation in the club, but affirmed that the players are valuable and necessary to achieve a good season.