What Bizarre Reason Did Owen Hargreaves Give for Bruno Fernandes' Latest Penalty Miss?

Owen Hargreaves has raised eyebrows with his analysis of Bruno Fernandes' recent penalty miss, suggesting that his deeper midfield role might have affected his performance. This comes amid Manchester United's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brentford, where tactical decisions and individual errors played a significant role.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty during the 3-1 defeat against Brentford.
• Owen Hargreaves linked the miss to Fernandes' new deeper midfield position.
• Fernandes has started every game this season in a less attacking role.
• Hargreaves advocates for Fernandes to return to his more creative position.
• Manchester United's defensive struggles were evident in the match.

Match Overview: Brentford vs. Manchester United

The recent clash at Brentford saw Manchester United succumbing to a 3-1 defeat, marking a continuation of their struggles under manager Ruben Amorim. Despite a promising start to the season, United's inability to secure consecutive victories has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

First Half Highlights

Brentford took control early in the match, scoring two goals within the first 20 minutes. Igor Thiago's quick strikes highlighted the defensive frailties that have plagued United, leaving them scrambling for answers. United managed to pull one back through Benjamin Sesko, who netted his first goal for the club, offering a glimmer of hope.

Penalty Incident: Fernandes’ Miss

United was handed a crucial opportunity to equalise when Bryan Mbeumo was fouled in the box by Brentford's Nathan Collins. After a lengthy VAR review, the penalty was awarded, but Fernandes’ effort was saved by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. This marked Fernandes' second penalty miss this season, a stark contrast to his previous record of scoring 18 consecutive spot kicks.

Tactical Analysis: Role of Bruno Fernandes

Owen Hargreaves provided insights into Fernandes' current role and its potential impact on his performance. Traditionally, Fernandes has excelled as an attacking midfielder, contributing significantly to United's offensive play since his arrival in January 2020. However, this season, he has been deployed in a deeper midfield position alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte.

The Pressure of a Deeper Role

Hargreaves suggested that the shift in position may have contributed to Fernandes' penalty miss. He explained that when a goalkeeper holds their position, it can create added pressure on the penalty taker, forcing them to make a quick decision. In Fernandes' case, this might have led him to execute a less confident shot, which Kelleher read effectively.

Call for Tactical Reassessment

Hargreaves emphasised the need for Fernandes to return to his preferred attacking role. According to him, playing as a 'number 10' allows Fernandes to influence the game more significantly, as he can create scoring opportunities and operate closer to the opponent's goal. He argued that United's tactical setup should reflect the strengths of its players, particularly those like Fernandes who thrive in advanced positions.

Defensive Concerns for Manchester United

While the midfield dynamics are under scrutiny, United's defence also raised alarms during the Brentford match. Despite having shown resilience in previous games, the team's backline faltered against Brentford's aggressive attacks. This inconsistency further complicates the tactical challenges facing Amorim as he seeks to establish a winning formula.

Midfield Dilemma: Casemiro and Ugarte

The partnership between Casemiro and Ugarte has been a focal point of discussion. With Fernandes starting deeper, the balance and creativity in midfield seem compromised. Hargreaves pointed out that the team needs Fernandes to operate where he can best exploit his playmaking abilities, suggesting that the current formation is limiting both his and the team's potential.

What’s Next for Manchester United?

As United prepares for their next fixtures, the focus will undoubtedly be on tactical adjustments. The club must consider how best to utilise their key players to maximise their strengths and address the glaring issues exposed in the Brentford match. The upcoming matches will be crucial for re-establishing confidence and securing much-needed points in the Premier League.

Potential Changes to the Line-up

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Amorim opts for a tactical shift in response to the recent defeats. A potential return to a more traditional formation could see Fernandes restored to a more advanced role, possibly alongside a creative partner in midfield. The team’s success could hinge on making these adjustments sooner rather than later.

Conclusion

Bruno Fernandes' recent penalty miss has highlighted broader tactical issues within Manchester United. As Owen Hargreaves pointed out, the shift to a deeper midfield role may be affecting Fernandes' confidence and performance. With ongoing struggles in both attack and defence, it is imperative for the coaching staff to reassess their strategies to rekindle the team's competitive edge.

As the season progresses, fans are left to wonder: will Manchester United adapt and rise to the challenge or continue to falter? #ManchesterUnited #BrunoFernandes #PremierLeague

FAQs

What caused Bruno Fernandes' penalty miss against Brentford?

Bruno Fernandes' penalty miss may have been influenced by the pressure from the goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, who held his position on the line. Additionally, Fernandes' deeper midfield role this season could have affected his confidence in taking the spot kick.

How has Bruno Fernandes' role changed this season?

This season, Bruno Fernandes has been deployed in a deeper midfield position, often playing alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, which is a shift from his usual attacking role where he has been most effective.

What did Owen Hargreaves suggest regarding Fernandes' position?

Owen Hargreaves suggested that Bruno Fernandes should return to a more advanced role, as he is the team's best creative outlet when playing as a 'number 10'. He believes this change could help the team perform better overall.

What are Manchester United's recent performance issues?

Manchester United has struggled to secure consecutive wins, and their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed during the recent match against Brentford, raising questions about tactical decisions and player roles.

What are the implications of Fernandes' current role for Manchester United?

The implications of Fernandes' deeper role include a potential decrease in offensive creativity and a lack of scoring opportunities, which could hinder the team's overall performance in matches.