Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has made a bizarre claim regarding why Bruno Fernandes missed from the spot against Brentford.
Fernandes’ penalty failure proves costly
United slumped to their third defeat of the 2025/26 Premier League season on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford found themselves 2-0 up inside 20 minutes as Igor Thiago capitalised on some pitiful defending to give the Bees a commanding advantage.
Benjamin Sesko pulled one back for the Red Devils before the half-hour mark, giving the visitors some hope of mounting a comeback. United had the opportunity to level the scores following a penalty decision against Nathan Collins for hauling down Bryan Mbeumo inside the area.
However, Fernandes’ effort was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. It marked his second penalty miss of the season, ending a streak of 18 successful spot-kicks. It was a costly miss as Mathias Jensen made it 3-1 in added time to secure the victory for his side.
Speaking to Premier League Productions after the final whistle, Hargreaves suggested that Fernandes may have missed the penalty because of being forced to play in a slightly deeper midfield role.
Hargreaves’ theory on Fernandes’ penalty blunder
The former United man remarked [as quoted by Metro], “If the goalkeeper just waits as Kelleher does it puts pressure on Bruno under pressure and he ends up just passing it.”
“That’s why I prefer the Harry Kane one where he whips it into the corner. If the goalkeeper waits it puts you under pressure to make a decision. Kelleher waits and reads it really well.”
“You just wonder for Bruno, is that because he is playing in that deeper midfield position? He’s not getting as many touches in the area where he can affect the game.”
Hargreaves insisted that Amorim should restore Fernandes to his more natural number 10 position, from where the playmaker can impact the game and make things happen.
“Defensively they have actually been pretty good up to this point but today they weren’t. The midfield is still an issue, Bruno has got to be a 10 again, he’s the best creator.”
“He has got to be a 10 again. Sesko scored which was the only positive for United today.”
United are back in action on Saturday when they host newly-promoted Sunderland.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
