Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s captain, accused referee Chris Kavanagh for disturbing his penalty process during their 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The Portuguese midfielder squandered a fantastic opportunity to put United ahead in the first half after Calvin Bassey was penalised for handball.
Fernandes’ shot went over the crossbar, and he later confessed that he collided with Kavanagh while backing away for a run-up, causing him to restart.
Bruno Fernandes blames referee for missed penalty
Fernandes, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, stated his frustration:
I was upset. As a penalty taker, you have your own routines and things to complete. I was disappointed because the referee did not apologise. That was what provoked me in that moment, but it is hardly an excuse for missing the penalty. I got a terrible hit on the ball. I planted my foot too far under the ball, which caused it to go over the crossbar.
Despite the error, United seized the lead in the 58th minute after Leny Yoro’s header deflected in.
However, Emile Smith Rowe scored late for Fulham to deprive Erik ten Hag’s team their first Premier League victory of the season, following an opening-day loss to Arsenal.
Pressure builds on Red Devils.
The draw puts United under pressure early in the season, with Fernandes’ missed penalty becoming a hot topic.
Meanwhile, United manager Ruben Amorim is under pressure from many Red Devils fans to abandon his traditional three-back system.
Some United fans have suggested that Amorim employ a 4-2-3-1 system with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro as the double pivots, allowing Fernandes to play as an offensive midfielder.
On Wednesday, United will travel to Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup Second Round.