Fernandes Remains Manchester United’s Penalty Taker Despite Recent Misses
Bruno Fernandes will continue to serve as Manchester United’s primary penalty taker despite recent misses, as confirmed by head coach Ruben Amorim. Fernandes has faced challenges at the spot this season, missing penalties against Fulham and Brentford. The miss against Fulham contributed to a 1-1 draw, while the failed attempt against Brentford occurred when the score was 2-1, leading to a late 3-1 defeat for United.
Coach’s Confidence in Fernandes
Amorim expressed his trust in Fernandes ahead of their match against Liverpool. He stated, “He’s the main taker. He scores a lot of goals. If we need, we can change. But I’m fully confident that Bruno will sort that out.” This endorsement suggests that the coach believes in Fernandes’ ability to rebound from his recent struggles.
Fernandes’ Penalty Record
Despite two missed penalties this season, Fernandes has a strong penalty-taking history. He notably converted a penalty in a 3-2 victory over Burnley in August. Prior to this season, his last Premier League miss occurred against Chelsea in December 2023. Amorim noted that out of around 70 penalties taken, Fernandes has missed only eight, highlighting his overall reliability.
Upcoming Match Against Liverpool
- Match Date: Sunday
- Location: Anfield
- Last Win at Anfield: 2016
Fernandes will be a key player as United seeks their first victory at Anfield in seven years. In contrast, teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are experiencing limited game time, leading to rumors about their potential departures in the January transfer window.
Team Cohesion
Amorim emphasized the importance of maintaining squad unity amid ongoing speculation. He stated, “You have to have news. Players are not playing. They want to play. There’s a World Cup.” He underscored the necessity of all players working together for a successful season.
As Manchester United prepares for their crucial match, Bruno Fernandes remains their first-choice penalty taker, with the hope that he can overcome his recent misses and help lead his team to victory.
