Bruno Fernandes has missed from the penalty spot for Manchester United in successive pre-season games just one week before Michael Carrick’s side begin their Premier League campaign.
Fernandes had the chance to put United back ahead during Saturday’s 4-2 defeat to AC Milan after Patrick Dorgu helped win a first-half penalty in Wrocław.
The captain stepped forward as usual, but Lorenzo Torriani got down to save his effort and keep the score level.
Bruno Fernandes suffers second straight Man Utd penalty miss
The miss came only three days after Fernandes failed to convert during United’s shootout victory over Leeds at Croke Park.
Fernandes fired wide on that occasion before United eventually recovered to win the shootout 5-4.
Two misses during friendly matches should not suddenly create a major penalty crisis.
Fernandes remains one of United’s most trusted players from the spot and has regularly taken responsibility during his Old Trafford career.
The timing is nevertheless far from ideal.
Saturday’s failure came during United’s final warm-up before the Premier League season, and the penalty would have restored the lead after Samuel Chukwueze cancelled out Harry Maguire’s early opener.
Instead, United later went 2-1 ahead through Dorgu before conceding three unanswered goals on their way to a damaging 4-2 defeat.
The wider performance has already left Carrick with issues to address. ReadManUtd highlighted three major concerns after the Milan defeat, including United’s defensive problems and Fernandes’ recent spot-kick record.
Carrick is unlikely to make a drastic decision on the back of two pre-season misses.
However, if United are awarded a penalty against Hull City next weekend, considerably more attention than usual will now surround whoever picks up the ball.
