Why Bruno Fernandes Missed Penalty against Fulham as Video Circulates Online
- Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial penalty against Fulham at Craven Cottage
- The miss was particularly surprising given his impressive record, having scored 22 of 26 Premier League penalties before this game
- Supporters were left stunned as the normally reliable midfielder sent the ball high over the bar, leaving the match momentarily hanging in the balance
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Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville has weighed in with his theory on why Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity from the penalty spot against Fulham.
United went into the clash at Craven Cottage looking to bounce back from their opening Premier League defeat to Arsenal, and a VAR check handed them the perfect chance to take control.
Source: Getty Images
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Mason Mount inside the area, leaving Fernandes, usually one of the league’s most dependable penalty-takers, with the responsibility.
Having scored 22 penalties in the Premier League and missed only four before this match, Fernandes was widely expected to find the net.
Instead, he sent the ball soaring over Bernd Leno’s crossbar, shocking both the travelling United fans and the Fulham faithful inside the stadium.
Gary Neville explains why Bruno missed penalty
Neville, however, believes the miss may not have been down to technique alone.
He pointed out that Fernandes had an unusual moment just before the kick, accidentally colliding with referee Chris Kavanagh.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville claimed:
"The referee giving him a slight nudge unnerved him a little bit.”
Prior to the miss on Sunday, the last time that Fernandes had failed to score a penalty given to him in the Premier League was during the match against Chelsea in December 2023.
Fans disagree with Gary Neville
But fans on social media were not willing to accept Neville's excuse, with one writing:
"Enjoying some more unbiased Gary Neville commentary on the Manchester United game yet again. Blaming the referee for Bruno Fernandes missing his penalty just normal stuff."
While another added:
"I can’t believe Gary Neville and sky are blaming the ref for Bruno Fernandes missing that penalty."
Source: Getty Images
TV broadcaster Joseph Hanson has weighed in on Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss, insisting the Manchester United captain has no excuse for failing to convert from the spot.
Hanson told YEN.com.gh:
“Missing a penalty is part of the game, even the best players in the world have done it.”
He also criticised Gary Neville’s reaction, adding:
“There’s no need to make a fuss about it. It happens, and Fernandes will move on.”
Thankfully for Fernandes and United, they didn't have to wait long until they established a lead in the game, as centre back Leny Yoro headed the ball into Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz, leading to an own goal.
However, they didn't hold onto it for long, as late Fulham substitute Emile Smith-Rowe found an equaliser for the home side in the 73rd minute, just 93 seconds after coming on to the pitch.
Source: YEN.com.gh
