Pundit slams Bruno Fernandes decision as Man United staff savaged
Noel Whelan has slammed the decision to allow Bruno Fernandes to take a crucial penalty over Cristiano Ronaldo as Man United lost at Arsenal on Saturday (23 April).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 37-year-old’s “phenomenal record” from the spot speaks for itself.
Fernandes stepped up with Man United trailing 2-1 just before the hour mark but saw his feeble penalty crash off the post for a goal kick.
Man United ended up 3-1 losers, leaving them six points adrift of the top four.
Ronaldo has netted 143 spot-kicks from a potential 172 during his illustrious career.
Whelan slammed the “lack of leadership” which saw no one step in to ensure the former Real Madrid icon could extend that impressive record.
“It’s obviously been discussed and decided before the game,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Fernandes should have the quality to put the ball in the back of the net. We’ve seen a few with the staggered run-up come a cropper, Jorginho as well.
“He didn’t look confident, and in the end it was a slow and sloppy penalty. That goal could have got them at least a point out of the game.
“Goals can transform teams and give them that momentum.
“Ronaldo is out there and had scored a goal on the day. His record is phenomenal from the spot, and he’s scored in some of the biggest games there is.
“The lack of leadership to say: ‘Let Ronaldo take it’ – well, that just sums up their season.”
Ronaldo joined the Premier League ‘100 club’ with his goal against Arsenal on Saturday.
The miss was Fernandes’ second of the season from 12 yards.
In other news, pundit tips Erik ten Hag to sack multiple Man United men after news in last 48 hours.