Sunday was not Bruno Fernandes’s best day. Usually so crucial for Manchester United, he ended up playing a key role in their draw against Fulham. In the 37th minute, the Portuguese midfielder stepped up to take a penalty, as he always does. Just as he took his usual steps back after placing the ball on the 11-meter spot, the referee gave him a little tap. Fernandes’s face showed he was less than pleased.
He picked up the ball, went through his routine again, but the shot flew well over the crossbar. It was a rare miss for a player known for his nerve. That small, unexpected moment with the referee might have thrown him off, even if only for a second. Sometimes, even the most focused athletes need their personal space before a big play.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Fernandes talked about that unusual moment. “That made me a bit nervous,” he admitted. However, he quickly added, “but it wasn’t why I missed the penalty.” He explained that every player has their routine. “I missed the penalty because I hit the ball very badly,” the Red Devils midfielder stated. His team is still without a win in the Premier League after two rounds of play.
Fernandes expressed his deep disappointment with the outcome. “We can’t be happy with one point,” he said. “We came here to win the game.” He felt the team had defended well but conceded a goal on just one play. “For us, it’s very disappointing not to have won today.” He mentioned they were in the game and should have controlled it better after scoring their own goal. “We should have made them run more,” he added. “We were controlling their midfielders’ runs into the box well.”
Despite the frustration, Fernandes also spoke positively about the club’s new signings. “They are great players for us,” he confirmed. “They have great skills.” He believes fans will see much more from them soon. “We are very happy to have them on the team,” he concluded, looking ahead.