Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes expressed his frustration following a costly penalty miss during the 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Moments before stepping up to take United’s first-half penalty, Fernandes engaged in a heated exchange with referee Chris Kavanagh, citing what he described as an unnecessary delay that disrupted his preparation.
“I was upset. As a penalty-taker, you have your own routines, your own things that you do. It upset me because the referee didn't apologise. That is what triggered me in that moment, but that's not the excuse for missing the penalty. I had a very bad hit on the ball. I put my foot too under the ball, and that's why it ended up going over the bar,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.
The incident highlights the fine margins of professional football, where even a minor disruption can impact high-pressure moments. For United, it was an opportunity lost that could have changed the trajectory of their early-season form.
Manager reflects on missed opportunity
United head coach Ruben Amorim weighed in on the situation, stressing the importance of moving forward despite setbacks.
“In the first half we were there, we missed a penalty...Bruno Fernandes has so much responsibility with him that I felt the lack of joy [when he missed] and he was thinking in the past. Now we have to move forward no matter what happens,” Amorim told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Amorim also acknowledged the broader impact of the missed spot-kick, noting that although United initially took the lead through an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz, Emile Smith Rowe’s equaliser meant the team left the pitch without a victory.
Implications for United’s early season
The missed penalty underscores the pressure Bruno Fernandes carries as United’s key playmaker and spot-kick taker. With the Red Devils yet to secure a win in their opening two Premier League games, early-season momentum is slipping, placing more emphasis on mental resilience for both the captain and the squad.
Fernandes’ public critique of Kavanagh is rare, reflecting his passionate nature and high standards for himself and his team. While he accepted personal responsibility for the miss, he has openly requested accountability from the referee, demonstrating his commitment to fairness and proper conduct on the field.
Manchester United now faces a critical period as they aim to bounce back in their next fixtures. With Fernandes leading the charge, the club will need both composure and sharp execution to turn early frustrations into positive results.