Fernandes: 'I have the right to choose who takes penalties depending on the match'

Turkey midfielder Bruno Fernandes responded to criticism about not being worthy of being captain or giving up penalties to Marcus Rashford, ahead of the match against Galatasaray in the fifth round of Group A of the Champions League.

In the 52nd minute of the match between Man Utd and Everton in round 13 of the Premier League at Goodison Park on November 26, Anthony Martial was fouled by Ashley Young in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Man Utd. Fernandes took the ball and handed it back to Rashford to take the penalty, then the English striker scored to double the gap.

In the press conference before the match against Galatasaray, when asked again about this situation, Fernandes reiterated that he wanted to help his teammates regain their confidence and form. The Portuguese midfielder did not plan the match before, but only decided in that moment. "Rashford scored the most goals for Man Utd last season and was an important player for the team," Fernandes said. "For strikers and wingers, sometimes the most important thing is to get the first goal, and then they will continue to score many goals. We need them to be in a position to score and have the confidence to score."

Bruno Fernandes (center) talks with his juniors Garnacho and Mainoo at Carrington training ground, Manchester on November 28. Photo: Reuters — Bruno Fernandes (center) talks with his juniors Garnacho and Mainoo at Carrington training ground, Manchester on November 28. Photo: *Reuters*

Former midfielder Roy Keane has harshly criticized manager Erik ten Hag for praising Fernandes for giving Rashford the right to take penalties. Regarding this, Fernandes revealed that Man Utd have a list of penalty takers, with him being the priority. The 29-year-old midfielder said that Rashford was the one responsible for taking penalties before he joined Old Trafford, and stressed that it does not matter which player takes the penalty.

"Me and Rashford were the two guys the manager picked to take the penalty against Everton," Fernandes continued. "So it was just a matter of deciding who would take it. It didn't always have to be me or Rashford. But it had to be someone we had confidence in to score. I could have taken that penalty and missed, but now we don't know. But the point is Rashford took it and scored."

Before criticizing the decision to concede the penalty, Keane had said Fernandes was not worthy of being Man Utd captain and should be stripped of the armband. Similarly, Paul Ince said that the Portuguese midfielder was not suited to the role as he often overreacted instead of encouraging his teammates.

Fernandes believes he deserves the Man Utd captaincy and believes he has been criticised for his drop in goals and assists after a stellar start to life at Old Trafford. The Portuguese midfielder also sees criticism as a normal part of playing for Man Utd, whether he plays well or poorly, whether he does the right thing or the wrong thing.

"I only care about the team, the staff, the people who work here, with me every day. I think they are happy with me," Fernandes continued. "My personality has been the same since I arrived at the club and will not change after becoming captain. I don't think it has to change. I am really open with everyone and so far no one has had any problems with me. People here are quite happy with my leadership, so I think I have to stay the same."

Man Utd are under a lot of pressure ahead of the fifth round as they are bottom of Group A with three points, one point behind Galatarasay and Copenhagen. The "Red Devils" will be eliminated from the Champions League if they lose at RAMS Park today. They will even finish bottom of the group if they lose to Galatarasay, and Copenhagen beat Bayern - the club that is sure to go through as top - in the remaining match.

When asked about this prospect, Fernandes replied: "That would be disappointing, but I'm not thinking about that at the moment. I'm just focused on the match against Galatasaray, because the only way for Man Utd to get through the group stage is to beat Galatasaray and go to the final match with a chance to continue."

Hong Duy

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