Bruno Fernandes Responded To Jose Mourinho Shade In Brilliant Fashion

Bruno Fernandes has responded to Jose Mourinho's comment about the amount of penalties he scored last season.

After signing from Sporting CP in January, Fernandes scored 12 goals in all competitions and provided eight assists as he completely transformed Manchester United's side.

Eight of his goals came from penalties, where he has a 100 per cent record from the spot in the last two years - including an equalising penalty in a 1-1 draw against Mourinho's Spurs in June.

A month later and Mourinho, who had a cheeky exchange with Fernandes, aimed a not-so-subtle dig at his compatriot.

Image: PA

He told Portuguese outlet Record per Sport Witness: "Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score."

Fernandes was asked about it in a recent interview but instead of firing back, he took it as a positive thing that Mourinho was praising his abilities from 12 yards.

"I honestly did not feel stung, I felt that I am a good penalty taker and nothing more," he told A Bola.

"I understand, but what I take from his words, because I'm a very positive person, is that he said I hit penalties well. It is a reality, not least since I arrived at Manchester United, I have not missed one. And I hope I don't fail.

"I've only missed two penalties, one for Udinese against Napoli and then in the Portuguese Cup, with Loures."

The last man to save a Fernandes penalty was Miguel Soares from Loures back in October 2018.

Now a property consultant as well as a player with Pero Pinheiro, the goalkeeper revealed the key to denying him was taking control and forcing him to make his decision late as Fernandes loves looking at the goalkeeper.

He told the Daily Star: "The save was a great moment. The secret was the small movement I made to the left.

"Bruno looks at the keeper when he takes a penalty, so I did the same to him. I feigned to dive to the left, and went to the right.

"I wanted to make Bruno take his decision as late as possible. I didn't want to make his life easier.

"We took Sporting all the way to extra time, and still gave them a scare before they won 2-1."

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Football News, Jose Mourinho, Football, Manchester United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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