Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has given his full backing to Bruno Fernandes as the club’s designated penalty-taker, despite the midfielder missing two spot-kicks this season. Amorim lightened the mood by joking he was “really annoyed” with the star, but insisted he has “full confidence” Fernandes will overcome the recent blips.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes remains the club’s designated penalty-taker, despite the midfielder’s recent struggles from the spot.
Fernandes, who holds the club record for most Premier League penalties scored (23), has missed two this season, against Fulham and Brentford, leading to speculation about a change.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Amorim adopted a humorous tone when addressing the issue. “No,” said Amorim about changing the penalty-taker. “I know that it’s not easy for him. But I think he has 70 penalties. He misses like nine. Two with me. So I’m really annoyed with that.”
The manager was quick to reaffirm his confidence in the Portuguese international. Fernandes has established himself as the primary taker since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, only briefly stepping aside for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Amorim clarified Fernandes’s status, stating: “Yes, he’s the main taker. He scores a lot of goals. Penalties are passing this moment.” The manager stressed that the midfielder is actively working to correct his form.
“But he’s really confident. He’s training the penalties. He’s trying to understand that people are watching the way he scores the penalties. So he will be ready.”
While acknowledging the team has “other options” should they be needed, Amorim concluded with a vote of confidence: “But I’m fully confident that Bruno will sort that out.” Fernandes did, however, convert a penalty in added time against Burnley to secure a late victory.