Amorim Confirms Fernandes Remains United’s Penalty Taker

Head coach Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will continue as Manchester United’s first-choice penalty taker despite recent misses. Fernandes has faced criticism after failing to convert penalties against Fulham and Brentford this season, leading to a draw and a subsequent defeat. However, Amorim expressed his unwavering confidence in the midfielder’s ability to perform, particularly ahead of their upcoming match against Liverpool at Anfield on October 29, 2023.

Fernandes’s two missed penalties have come during a challenging start to the season for United. The first miss was crucial during a 1-1 draw against Fulham, while the second occurred when the team was trailing 2-1 against Brentford, eventually losing the game 3-1. Despite these setbacks, Amorim 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 season has seen additional challenges for United, with Fernandes’s misses contributing to a difficult trajectory. Nevertheless, he successfully converted a late penalty in a 3-2 victory over Brighton in August, demonstrating his capability under pressure. Notably, his last penalty miss before this season was in December 2023, showcasing his overall reliability in the past.

Amorim acknowledged the pressure Fernandes faces but emphasized his confidence in the player’s preparation. “I know that it’s not easy for him,” Amorim remarked. “But I think he has taken around 70 penalties and missed only eight. Two with me. So I’m really annoyed with that. 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. He will be ready.”

As Manchester United prepares for their match against Liverpool, Fernandes is expected to be a key player. The club is seeking its first win at Anfield since 2016, which adds to the significance of the upcoming fixture.

While Fernandes’s position seems secure, the same cannot be said for other players in the squad. Speculation surrounds Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial, both of whom have had limited opportunities this season. There are growing rumors that they may consider leaving Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

Despite these rumors, Amorim has maintained that he requires contributions from all players in his squad. “I know that in our club everything is a lot of noise,” he stated. “You have to have news. Players are not playing. They want to play. There’s a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. I understand that, but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season.”

As the team heads into a critical match against Liverpool, the focus will be on Fernandes to redeem himself from his earlier missed penalties and help secure a vital victory for Manchester United.