‎Ruben Amorim Confirms Bruno Fernandes to Stay as Manchester United Penalty Taker Despite Recent Misses Against Fulham and Brentford

‎Ruben Amorim has reaffirmed his trust in Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United’s first-choice penalty taker despite recent struggles from the spot. The Portuguese midfielder missed crucial penalties against Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League but will continue his duties ahead of United’s clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

‎

‎Ruben Amorim confirms Bruno Fernandes will remain Manchester United’s penalty taker ahead of the Liverpool clash despite recent misses.

‎Getty Images Sport

‎

‎Fernandes has found the net just once from three penalties this season, scoring the winner against Burnley. Amorim expressed confidence in his captain, citing his impressive overall record from the spot. Across his career, Fernandes has converted 62 of 70 penalties, achieving an 88.6% success rate. For Manchester United alone, he has scored 39 of 45, maintaining a strong 86.6% conversion rate.

‎

‎Speaking to reporters before Sunday’s high-stakes North West derby, Amorim highlighted Fernandes’ professionalism and his determination to improve. “Yes, he’s the main taker,” Amorim said. “I think he has 70 penalties and he misses nine – two with me. I’m really annoyed with that, but he’s really confident. He’s training, trying to understand how people study his technique. So he will be ready.”

‎

‎The United head coach acknowledged the intensity awaiting his side at Anfield but insisted his players are prepared for the challenge. “The environment is going to be loud, but we are ready to play in that,” Amorim explained. “Sometimes we perform better in that kind of atmosphere than under pressure at home. The way we start the game is more important than the environment. I know they are ready.”

‎

‎Amorim downplayed Manchester United’s poor recent record at Anfield, noting that many players focus more on the present than past results. “Football players nowadays don’t watch many games,” he said. “We have so much to gain if we perform well and win the next game. I don’t need to use past games as motivation.”

‎

‎The manager also addressed reports linking Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee with potential January moves, insisting his focus remains on keeping the team united. “There’s always noise around the club,” Amorim stated. “Players want to play, and there’s a World Cup coming. But they are our players, and we need everyone for a good season.”

‎

‎Manchester United’s trip to Anfield carries huge significance as both sides aim to ignite their seasons. United have drawn their last two visits to Liverpool’s home ground but have only one win there in the past decade. Historically, the Red Devils hold a narrow edge in the rivalry, winning 91 of 244 meetings compared to Liverpool’s 82 victories.

‎

‎Liverpool enter the fixture after suffering three defeats in a week before the international break, while United sit 11th in the Premier League table with only one away point so far. The outcome of Sunday’s encounter could prove decisive for both teams, as Amorim’s side seeks momentum in a season of mixed results.