Ruben Amorim has confirmed that Bruno Fernandes will continue as Manchester United’s first-choice penalty taker despite his recent struggles from the spot. The Portuguese midfielder has missed two of his three penalty attempts this season, but the manager insists his faith in the captain remains unchanged.
Fernandes failed to convert penalties in the 1-1 draw against Fulham and the 3-1 defeat at Brentford, but he did score in the thrilling 3-2 win over Burnley. Amorim highlighted Fernandes’s strong record overall, noting that he has successfully converted the majority of his attempts throughout his career. The United boss added that Fernandes continues to work hard in training, analyzing his technique and adapting to how goalkeepers study his style.
Amorim playfully acknowledged frustration at the recent misses but maintained that Fernandes’s confidence and preparation will pay off. “He’s training well and understands what’s required,” the coach said. “He knows that people are studying him, and he’s adapting. He’ll be ready.”
United now shift focus to a challenging trip to Anfield, where they have managed just one league victory in the last decade — a 1-0 win in 2016. Amorim emphasized the importance of starting strongly and maintaining composure in what promises to be a highly charged atmosphere. He noted that his team has shown resilience in such environments before, including last season’s 2-2 draw at Anfield.
“The atmosphere will be intense, but we’re ready,” Amorim stated. “Sometimes we perform even better away from home when the pressure is on. What matters most is how we start the game — the focus, the energy, and the attitude.”
The manager also dismissed talk of United’s poor Anfield record, suggesting many of his players are too focused on the present to worry about history. Amorim further downplayed speculation linking young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee with January exits, stressing that both remain vital to United’s plans for the season.
Addressing Marcus Rashford’s comments about an “inconsistent environment” at Old Trafford, Amorim brushed aside any controversy, saying his only concern is guiding the club toward future success.
