‘It is a reality’ – Bruno Fernandes responds to Mourinho’s penalty dig

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has insisted that he did not take offence to Jose Mourinho’s comments about his penalty record.

The Spurs boss was vocal towards the end of last season about the number of penalties that his former club were awarded (The Sports Rush).

Fernandes has been tasked with penalty duties since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January and he has been clinical from the spot so far.

When asked about the impact his compatriot had made in the Premier League, the Spurs boss took a sly dig at the midfielder by pointing out the fact that he had many opportunities to score from the spot.

Mourinho told Record (as relayed by Manchester Evening News) in July: “Bruno came in, was fit, played very well, improved the United team and also proved to be a great penalty taker, one of the best in the world, because he had about 20 to score.”

Fernandes has now insisted that he took the 57-year-old’s comment as a compliment to his ability to convert from the penalty spot.

When asked how he felt on hearing the Tottenham head coach’s comments, the 25-year-old told A Bola (as relayed by The Metro): “I honestly did not feel stung, I felt that I am a good penalty taker and nothing more.

“I understand, but what I take from his words, because I’m a very positive person, is that he said I hit penalties well.

“It is a reality, not least since I arrived at Manchester United, I have not missed one. And I hope I don’t fail.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect despite his claims to the contrary, Fernandes probably was stung a bit by Jose’s comments as the Spurs boss did seem to take some credit away from the quick start the midfielder has made at Old Trafford. While the Portuguese international has been very good since arriving at Old Trafford, I do believe that some of his performances have been over-hyped due to his scoring record.

Jose previously said that he would not swap Lo Celso for Fernandes and I suspect most Spurs fans would feel the same about Dele, who I believe still has a higher ceiling than the Man Utd midfielder. I expect Dele to outscore the Portuguese midfielder next season if he stays fit.

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