Solskjaer defends Fernandes despite failing to execute a penalty kick

DBasia.news – Manchester United were defeated at home after being beaten by Aston Villa 1-0 in the 2021-2022 Premier League match, at Old Trafford Stadium, Saturday (25/9). In that match, Bruno Fernandes was in the spotlight after failing when he was appointed as the penalty taker.

Aston Villa made it difficult for Manchester United to score goals. Although the Red Devils fired 28 shots, none of them resulted in a goal.

Precisely Villa who only had three shots on target scored the only goal in the duel. Kortney Hause listed his name on the scoreboard two minutes before normal time ended.

Manchester United received a chance to equalize after Hause was found to have touched the ball with his hands in the forbidden box. The referee also pointed to the white dot.

Even though Cristiano Ronaldo was still on the pitch, it was Bruno Ferandes who took the 12th shot. Unfortunately, the former Udinese player’s shot bounced over the goal. Finally, Villa maintained a 1-0 advantage.

According to Opta Joe’s statistics, Bruno Fernandes actually very rarely fails when he becomes the penalty taker. Of the 23 occasions as Man United’s penalty taker, Fernandes only failed twice. The last time Fernandes wasted a chance from a penalty was against Newcastle United in October 2020.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also defended the midfielder. The Norwegian coach confirmed that Fernandes had been chosen as the penalty taker before the match started.

“First of all, the way they passed the penalty spot and Fernandes, it wasn’t to my liking. Fernandes is usually great in that position and unfortunately he missed this one,” Solskjaer said as reported by teamTalk.

“It’s not in Fernandes’ head. He’s mentally strong and will step back again. The decision on who takes the penalty is made before the game.”

With that defeat, Manchester United’s negative record continues. Of the four games, Man United lost three and won only once. Next, Man United will host Villarreal in the Champions League (30/9).