Bruno Fernandes has now missed two of his three Premier League penalties this season ❌❌

Bruno Fernandes has now missed two of his three Premier League penalties this season

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has always been known for his confidence and precision from the penalty spot, often regarded as one of the most reliable takers in English football. However, this season has presented an unusual and worrying trend for both the Portuguese playmaker and his club. Fernandes has now missed two of his three penalty attempts in the Premier League, raising questions about his once-unshakable reputation from twelve yards.

For years, Fernandes built a reputation for his unique penalty technique — the now-famous “hop, skip, and shoot” — which often wrong-footed goalkeepers and gave him an edge in high-pressure moments. His success rate had been remarkable, converting the majority of his spot-kicks since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020. At one stage, he was considered almost automatic when placed in front of goal from the spot, becoming a vital source of goals for United, especially during matches where breaking down stubborn defenses proved difficult.

This season, however, things have taken a sharp turn. Missing two of his three attempts has not only reduced his efficiency but has also placed pressure on manager Erik ten Hag to consider whether Fernandes should remain the team’s designated penalty taker. With other options such as Marcus Rashford and even summer signing Rasmus Højlund available, the debate is beginning to intensify among fans and pundits.

What makes the situation more concerning is that Fernandes’s misses have come at crucial junctures — moments when Manchester United desperately needed a goal to change the momentum of the game. Instead of providing his side with the psychological boost they rely on, the failed attempts have only increased frustration and tension within the squad.

Football, however, is as much about mentality as it is about skill. For Fernandes, this may be more of a confidence issue than a technical one. Even the best penalty takers in history have endured difficult spells — Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and even Harry Kane have all gone through stretches where penalties became a source of uncertainty rather than assurance. Fernandes will no doubt be eager to shake off the criticism, rebuild his composure, and restore his status as United’s go-to man for spot-kicks.

United supporters remain divided. Some argue that the captain should be trusted to continue, citing his overall contribution, leadership, and track record. Others, however, believe a change is necessary, at least temporarily, to relieve him of the pressure and ensure the team does not continue to suffer from wasted opportunities.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Portuguese midfielder the next time Manchester United are awarded a penalty. Will he step forward once again to prove his resilience, or will Erik ten Hag hand the responsibility to another teammate? Either way, Fernandes’s penalty woes have become a major talking point in United’s campaign — and how this situation is managed could have a significant impact on their push for success.