MANCHESTER UNITED fans raged at Bruno Fernandes for a decision he made in the final moments of their 1-1 draw with FC Twente.
Erik ten Hag’s side had to settle for a disappointing point in their Europa League opener at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Christian Eriksen’s stunning opener was cancelled out by a second-half equaliser from Sam Lammers.
Yet Man Utd had a good set-piece opportunity when the clock ticked into the 95th minute.
With the minimum stoppage time up, Fernandes stood over a free-kick from around 35 yards out.
The Red Devils loaded the box with six players as they waited for the Portuguese playmaker to loft a ball into the penalty area.
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Instead, the Man Utd captain chose the audacious option of shooting from distance and saw his tame effort float into the keeper’s arms.
The referee then blew his whistle for the end of the match.
Fernandes’ decision infuriated Man Utd supporters as they took to social media to vent their frustrations.
One said: “As for Bruno I have no words 😂😂 got his new contract been a mare since lol.”
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Another added: “Why did he shoot?! 😭😭”
A third replied: “Definitely wasn’t part of the set piece instruction.”
While a fourth responded: “He thinks he’s [Cristiano] Ronaldo 😭😭😭.”
Fernandes, who last month penned a new contract to keep him at Man Utd until 2027, is yet to score in eight games this season but has contributed four assists.
Man Utd player ratings vs FC Twente
MANCHESTER UNITED’S Europa League campaign got off to a less than ideal start with a miserable 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.
That result dealt a big blow to their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding two extra fixtures.
See how the players rated on an underwhelming night at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana – 6
Good save to push a free-kick from Sem Steijn to safety but might be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for Twente’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Early mistake near the corner flag could have been costly but he caused problems at the other end in build up to Christian Eriksen goal.
Harry Maguire – 6
Missed his tackle to put United on the back foot for the equaliser but almost won it late on with a header cleared off the line.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Made several important clearances but one wild challenge on edge of his box could have proven costly.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
New boy looks solid. Vital early tackle and another one later to stop Twente going in front.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Fourth successive start – and the veteran still looked sprightly. What a strike to give United the lead but then spoiled it with mistake for equaliser.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
A few good tackles from the new boy but might be disappointed not to clear his lines as Twente broke away for equaliser.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Much improved display in front of watching England interim boss Lee Carsley. Full of energy, a few tricks and a couple of dangerous crosses. More like his old self.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Skipper had a hand in the opening goal and was so close to winning it with curler from the edge of the box.
Amad Diallo – 6
His pace was too much to handle for the visitors at times but not much of an end product this time and made way for Alejandro Garnacho midway through the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A few good moments and forced a flying save from the visitors’ keeper after nice link up with Diogo Dalot – but then hooked for the fit-again Rasmus Hojlund.
Find out how the Man Utd subs rated here
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
