Bruno Fernandes apologises for stoppage-time penalty miss against Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes has apologised for his penalty miss against Aston Villa and promised fans he will ‘be ready next time’. 

Manchester United were awarded an injury-time penalty after Kourtney Hause handled the ball in the box during their 1-0 loss to Villa. 

As a result, Fernandes – who had only missed one of his 22 penalty attempts for United when Newcastle’s Karl Darlow denied him in October last year – stepped up to take the spot-kick. 

Bruno Fernandes apologised for his penalty miss and promised fans he will ‘be ready next time’

However, many believed Cristiano Ronaldo should have been the man to take the all-important penalty. 

Nevertheless, Fernandes took the strike and blasted the ball high into the Stretford End. 

Speaking about his failed attempt on Instagram, Fernandes said: ‘Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me for missing the penalty and the consequent defeat.

‘I’ve always assumed my responsibilities and I’ve always embraced them under pressure in moments like this. 

United were awarded an injury-time penalty after Kourtney Hause handled the ball in the box

Many believed Cristiano Ronaldo (right) should have been the one to take the penalty

‘Today, I failed. But I took a step forward and faced the challenge with the same ambition and responsibility as when, on the many other occasions, the ball ended up in the net.

‘Criticism and contrasting opinions are a big part of football. I’ve learned to live with it, even using them to drive me on, and I consider it all a very important part of my commitment to never stop trying to improve and to become the best player I can possibly be, for me and the team.

‘Today I once again took the responsibility given to me almost since I joined United and I will take it again without any fear or dread whenever called upon.

However, Fernandes (above) took the strike and blasted the ball high into the Stretford End

As a result of his failed attempt, Manchester United lost the game against Aston Villa 1-0 

‘The most important thing for me is to win together and I’ll always do everything I can to help my teammates and the club to be the best we can be.

‘I’m a player who leaves everything on the pitch, with great desire and commitment. And that’s what I’ll continue to do.

‘Thank you for all your support after the final whistle! Hearing you chanting my name in the stadium was very emotional… I will come back stronger for me, because these are the standards I hold myself to, but most of all for my teammates and our fans who have always supported us.’