Gary Neville Explains Why Bruno Fernandes Missed Crucial Penalty in Manchester United’s Draw Against Fulham

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was left frustrated on Sunday afternoon after missing a golden chance to open his Premier League account for the season against Fulham — and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes he knows why.

United came into the match at Craven Cottage desperate for a response after their disappointing opening-day defeat to Arsenal. For much of the first half, both sides created chances without managing to break the deadlock. The breakthrough seemed to come when United were awarded a penalty after a VAR review spotted a clumsy challenge from Fulham defender Calvin Bassey on Mason Mount inside the box.

It was the perfect chance for Fernandes, one of the Premier League’s most reliable penalty takers. The Portuguese midfielder had scored 22 spot-kicks in the league before Sunday, missing just four. But instead of finding the back of the net, Fernandes shocked United fans by blasting the ball high over Bernd Leno’s crossbar.

The miss stunned the away supporters and even Neville, who suggested an unusual explanation for the mistake. Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, the former United captain said Fernandes might have been distracted by a brief collision with referee Chris Kavanagh before taking the penalty.

“The referee giving him a slight nudge unnerved him a little bit,” Neville said live on air.

While Fernandes’ miss was his first in the Premier League since December 2023 — when he failed to convert against Chelsea — not everyone agreed with Neville’s reasoning.

On social media, fans were quick to mock the theory. One wrote: “Enjoying some more unbiased Gary Neville commentary on the Manchester United game yet again. Blaming the referee for Bruno Fernandes missing his penalty — just normal stuff.” Another fan added: “I can’t believe Gary Neville and Sky are blaming the ref for Bruno Fernandes missing that penalty.”

Despite the penalty drama, United did manage to find the net before halftime. Their opening goal came in unusual fashion, when new signing Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz and into his own goal. However, their lead didn’t last long. Substitute Emile Smith-Rowe equalised for the hosts in the 73rd minute — just 93 seconds after coming on — ensuring the match ended level.

Why Fernandes’ Miss Matters

For Fernandes, the missed penalty will feel like a missed opportunity to set the tone for his season. Known for his composure from the spot, he has often been the player United rely on in crucial moments. According to Premier League statistics, he has converted around 85% of his penalties since joining in 2020, which puts him among the most clinical takers in the competition’s recent history.

But this miss comes at a time when United are already under scrutiny after a tough start to the campaign. Erik ten Hag’s side are eager to put points on the board quickly, and Fernandes, as captain, carries much of the responsibility to deliver.

Neville’s suggestion that an accidental bump from the referee could have unsettled him adds an unusual layer to the discussion. Whether that played a role or not, Fernandes will know he has to be sharper in key moments if United are to push for success this season.

The Bigger Picture for United

Dropping points so early in the season will frustrate both Ten Hag and the United supporters. With Arsenal already showing signs of strength and rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City expected to challenge at the top, small slip-ups can prove costly in the long run.

Still, Fernandes has shown throughout his United career that he bounces back quickly. With 46 Premier League goals and 37 assists to his name since joining in January 2020, his influence cannot be questioned. Fans will be hoping Sunday’s miss is just a blip rather than a sign of further struggles to come.

United face a difficult run of fixtures ahead, and Fernandes’ leadership and accuracy in front of goal will be needed more than ever.