Bruno Fernandes (right) after missing the penalty. Photo: PA

Bruno Fernandes (right) after missing the penalty. Photo: PA

In the 35th minute, center-back Calvin Bassey brought down Mason Mount in the Fulham penalty area from a Man Utd corner. VAR Darren England intervened, prompting referee Chris Kavanagh to review the incident. After explaining the situation to the crowd via headset, Kavanagh awarded Man Utd a penalty.

As Fernandes stepped back to take the penalty, he stumbled over Kavanagh. The Portuguese midfielder complained, but the referee seemed unconcerned, leaving Fernandes visibly frustrated. Instead of his usual stutter-step approach, the Man Utd captain took a powerful shot that sailed over the bar.

This was only the seventh penalty miss of Fernandes's career, compared to 61 successful conversions. His penalty conversion rate dropped from 91% to below 90%. Besides the missed opportunity against Fulham, the 30-year-old midfielder had an unremarkable game, giving away possession dangerously on several occasions.

Xuan Binh