Fernandes Remains Man United’s Penalty Taker Despite Recent Misses

Bruno Fernandes will continue as Manchester United’s primary penalty taker, according to head coach Ruben Amorim. Despite recent misses, Amorim expressed confidence in Fernandes’ abilities ahead of the upcoming match against Liverpool.
Recent Penalty Misses
This season, Fernandes has missed penalties against Fulham and Brentford. The penalty miss at Craven Cottage contributed to a 1-1 draw. Similarly, his failure against Brentford occurred when United was leading 2-1, only to lose 3-1 later in the match.
Amorim’s Confidence
Amorim confirmed that Fernandes will take penalties during their next match against Liverpool. “He’s the main taker,” said Amorim. He highlighted Fernandes’ goal-scoring record and suggested that changes in penalty takers would only be considered if necessary. Amorim is confident that Fernandes can improve his penalty performance.
Past Performance and Training
- Fernandes has taken about 70 penalties throughout his career and missed just eight.
- His most recent successful penalty came against Burnley in a 3-2 win in August.
- The last time he missed a Premier League penalty was in December 2023 against Chelsea.
Amorim acknowledged the pressure Fernandes faces, stating, “I know that it’s not easy for him.” The coach is optimistic, mentioning that Fernandes is actively training and preparing for future penalties.
Upcoming Match Against Liverpool
Fernandes is expected to start against Liverpool, where Manchester United seeks its first win at Anfield since 2016. In contrast, players Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee have had limited chances this season, raising speculations about possible departures in the upcoming January transfer window.
Team Cohesion
Despite rumors, Amorim emphasizes the importance of keeping all players engaged and focused. He stated, “I need everyone in my squad.” Showcasing team unity is vital as they aim for a successful season amidst external distractions.