BRUNO FERNANDES has vowed to “come back stronger” after his last-minute penalty miss against Aston Villa.
The Portuguese, 27, stepped up in added time but blew the chance to equalise for his side, who lost 1-0.
It is Fernandes’ second penalty miss for Manchester United and he took to Instagram to apologise to supporters.
His statement read: “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. 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.
“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.
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“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.”
Only last week, United were celebrating a last-minute penalty save with David De Gea denying West Ham’s Mark Noble.
And while Jesse Lingard struck a late winner at the London Stadium, this time around it was Kortney Hause who got the match-winner for Villa – in the 88th minute.
Fernandes’ role as penalty taker could now be under pressure, with compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo likely keen to assume responsibilities.
