Manchester United suffered a major setback in the highly anticipated Manchester derby clash, losing both the league fixture against their city and their rivals, the Treble winner’s Manchester City. Despite a promising start, they went on to lose the game 3-1 at the Eithad, as Pep Guardiola’s side displayed dominance in the second half.
Nevertheless, United bounced back from the derby defeat by edging past Everton with a 2-0 scoreline at Old Trafford, making slight progress on the points table and climbing up to 5th place, racing against Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese skipper, Bruno Fernandes, has etched a new record with his goal in the match.
Bruno Fernandes breaks Manchester United record
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has scripted yet another milestone in the Red Devils’ jersey. The magnificent midfielder put his side ahead with a goal from the spot-kick against Everton on Saturday, becoming the club’s record goal scorer from 12 yards in its history.
Fernandes has now scored 29 goals from penalties across all competitions for the club, surpassing the previous record holder, the former United’s phenomenal Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had 28 goals to his name. Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo follows with 21 penalty kicks during his two stints at the club.
With this achievement, the 29-year-old has now bagged a total of 72 goals across all competitions while making 222 appearances for the English club. In addition, his exceptional playmaking skills have contributed to 63 assists.
Only in the Premier League, Bruno netted 17 penalties altogether since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020, making him the player with the most penalties scored in the English top flight since then. Additionally, his league goal-scoring tally has now leveled with former United forwards Dimitar Berbatov and Robin van Persie at 48 goals. His performance did not go unnoticed by the Saudi Pro League, which considered the possibility of acquiring Manchester United’s captain.
Fernandes explains his decision to pass up chance to score brace
Manchester United scored twice in the first half, both goals coming from penalty kicks after Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho won both by going down twice in the box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to slot past Everton’s keeper, Jordan Pickford, in the 12th minute of the tie.
However, the designated penalty taker and club captain resisted the temptation to double his tally and handed the second penalty to his teammate Marcus Rashford, who has recently been rumored to be making a PSG move.
Coming off a stellar performance in the derby, the Englishman made no mistake from the 12-yard spot, doubling his side’s lead over the Toffees. While speaking in the post-match conference, Fernandes explained his decision to give Rashford the chance.
Fernandes told TNT Sport, “We both kick the penalties. I asked Marcus if he wanted to take it and he said he was confident. He is one of the penalty takers that the manager chooses. I felt I had my one, and Rashy could get his goal from the penalty.”
