Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes (R) reacts after failing to score from the penalty spot during against Aston Villa. Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was left frustrated after missing his stoppage-time penalty in Saturday's 1-0 Premier League defeat by Aston Villa but the Portugal international vowed to come back stronger.
Kortney Hause's 88th-minute header put Villa in the lead but the defender's handball gifted United a chance to steal a point, only for Fernandes to blaze the ball high over the bar.
Fernandes, who was United's top scorer last season, missed only his second spot-kick for the club as the team's unbeaten start to the league came to an end.
"Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me for missing the penalty and the consequent defeat," Fernandes said on Instagram.
No excuses for my penalty miss today. I’m my biggest critic but as always I’ll use it to drive me forward. More than my disappointment though, the team’s loss today is the most important. I’ll be ready next time. pic.twitter.com/tTBgURne8B
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) September 25, 2021
"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.
"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."
After Saturday's shock defeat, United dropped to fourth in the standings on goal difference, with the top four sides all on 13 points.
United next face Villarreal in Wednesday's Champions League group stage match at Old Trafford.
Reuters
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