Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim explained the penalty-kick hierarchy following the recent shortcomings of Bruno Fernandes.
Aside from Cristiano Ronaldo’s 18-month second stint at Old Trafford, the playmaker has been the club’s designated spot-kick taker since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign.
But while he was almost flawless in his delivery throughout the years, the 31-year-old’s record this season has been abysmal.
Bruno’s recent woes from the spot
While he managed to score the late winner against Burnley from the spot, he shockingly sent his shot high over the crossbar in the 1-1 draw against Fulham following debacle with the match official. Moreover, Bruno’s tame effort in Brentford was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
Therefore, Amorim has received several calls to relieve Bruno form his spot-kick duty and give the nod to another Man Utd star.
Nevertheless, the manager isn’t interested in changing his hierarchy, as he still considers the skipper his best bet to convert from the spot.
“No,” answered Amorim when asked to drop his countryman in the penalty pecking order.
“I know that it’s not easy for him. But I think he has 70 penalties. He misses like nine. Two with me. So I’m really annoyed with that.” he added jokingly.
“But he’s really confident. He’s training the penalties. He’s trying to understand that people are watching the way he scores the penalties. So he will be ready. We have more guys also to score a penalty if he needs.”
Ruben Amorim maintains Bruno Fernandes as Man Utd’s designated spot-kick taker
The Man Unitedd manager made these comments in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s big showdown against Liverpool at Anfield (via the Manchester Evening News).
That being said, the Portuguese manager left the door open to other players, suggesting that the club has several competent options on this front.
“We have other options. If we need, we can change. But I’m fully confident that Bruno will sort that out.”
| Bruno’s penalty record | Total | Scored | Missed |
| 2025/26 season | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Career | 70 | 62 | 8 |
In Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Mason Mount and Amad Diallo among others Man Utd might be spoilt for options. However, unsettling the hierarchy could be premature at this point, especially based on Bruno’s fabulous career record.
Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt if the captain ever decides to take a back seat, especially when feels he’s not in the zone.
