Bruno Fernandes has written an essay apology to Manchester United fans for his costly penalty miss against Aston Villa.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez DARED returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo to face him from the penalty spot, but it was his fellow Portuguese star who took the stoppage-time kick – and blazed it over the bar.
The midfielder’s miss – rare from a player with such a good record from the spot – condemned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to a 1-0 defeat.
Kortney Hause’s 88th minute header earned the visitors all three points at Old Trafford, with the Villa defender having his blushes spared by Fernandes’ miss – as he was the goalscorer who conceded the penalty with a handball in the area.
And Fernandes took to social media after the match to say sorry to his club and their fans, with a lengthy statement of apology.
“Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me for missing the penalty and the consequent defeat,” Fernandes posted on Twitter.
“I’ve always assumed my responsibilities and I’ve always embraced them under pressure in moments like this. Today, I failed. But I took a step forward and faced the challenge with the same ambition and responsibility as when, on the many other occasions, the ball ended up in the net.
“Criticism and contrasting opinions are a big part of football. I’ve learned to live with it, even using them to drive me on, and I consider it all a very important part of my commitment to never stop trying to improve and to become the best player I can possibly be, for me and the team.
“Today I once again took the responsibility given to me almost since I joined United and I will take it again without any fear or dread whenever called upon.
“The most important thing for me is to win together and I’ll always do everything I can to help my team-mates and the club to be the best we can be.
“I’m a player who leaves everything on the pitch, with great desire and commitment. And that’s what I’ll continue to do.
“Thank you for all your support after the final whistle! Hearing you chanting my name in the stadium was very emotional… I will come back stronger for me, because these are the standards I hold myself to, but most of all for my team-mates and our fans who have always supported us.”
It was only the second time in 23 attempts for United in all competitions that Fernandes had missed from the spot.
And yet, why it was the Portuguese midfielder and not icon Ronaldo who took it, is set to be debated.
Ronaldo has scored 139 penalties in his incredible career, while also missing 28, but it is a surprise he hasn’t taken control of the duties following his return to Old Trafford.
Villa goalkeeper Martinez, meanwhile, was the calmest man in the stadium as he took United’s last-gasp chance to claim a point head-on.
The Argentine, signed from Arsenal in 2020, and is in such good form that he even wanted to take on 36-year-old superstar Ronaldo in a one-on-one battle – pointing at the Portuguese and urging him to grab the ball.
And Martinez then then left dancing in celebration in front of the home supporters, after he wasn’t even troubled by Fernandes’ subsequent terrible attempt.
A shimmy of his hips and shoulders as he stood victorious by his post were all you needed to see to know he’s a man of supreme confidence right now.
But United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t like some of the antics from Martinez and his teammates ahead of the penalty.
He told Sky Sports: “The way they get around the penalty spot, get around Bruno and all that, that’s not to my liking, but I do understand it, but it shouldn’t be that way.”
Perhaps it’s no surprise Martinez wanted to take on one of the greatest the game has ever seen.
He also saved three penalties for his nation in their Copa America semi-final against Colombia.
Martinez denied Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina and Edwin Cardona, while trash talking his opponents throughout.
“Hey! The ball is ahead (of the penalty spot),” he told Everton ace Mina before saving his kick superbly.
“Yeah, yeah. Turn a blind eye. I already know you.
“Hey, look. See how I know where you’ll shoot. And then I’ll save it
“I’m eating you up, brother. I’m eating you up, brother.”
The Villa ace even earned praise from Lionel Messi as his compatriot said: “It was difficult at times,” he said. “But we have Emi and he’s phenomenal. We trusted him.”
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