How Cristiano Ronaldo Reacted After Bruno Fernandes’ Penalty Miss vs Aston Villa
REUTERS/Phil Noble
A late winner followed by a penalty miss in stoppage time. Manchester United’s first defeat of the season mirrored events at the London stadium last week, as the away side claimed all three points in the end.
David de Gea was the Red Devils’ hero against West Ham, while in the Aston Villa defeat, Bruno Fernandes grabbed all the negative headlines despite creating 10 chances, a league high since his debut, as he skied his spot-kick in the 93rd minute of the game.
As soon as referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot after Edinson Cavani’s header struck Kortney Hause’s arm, Cristiano Ronaldo was expected to take the charge of levelling the scores, in spite of Fernandes’ superior conversion rate from 12 yards out.
As such, when the Portuguese midfielder blasted into the Stretford End, the 36-year-old’s immediate reaction underlined his maturity.
Ronaldo was one of the first players to console his shattered teammate, rather than expressing his frustration.
Incidentally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer clarified in his post match interview that the decision over the penalty duty was made before the game.
Fernandes left the Old Trafford pitch with his head down, while Ronaldo, despite consoling his fellow countryman, was frustrated with the result, punching the corner flag on his way out.
Further, the Portuguese icon has urged his teammates to ‘react immediately’ after a disappointing result. Considering his winning mentality, it won’t surprise many if he’s the one behind the ball, the next time United get a penalty.