Despite recent misses from the penalty spot, Bruno Fernandes remains Manchester United's designated penalty taker, confirmed by head coach Ruben Amorim. This decision comes even after Fernandes uncharacteristically failed to convert two penalties this season, against Fulham and Brentford.

Fernandes's previously reliable record from the spot has come under scrutiny after these misses. However, Amorim has expressed full confidence in the Portuguese midfielder, emphasizing his overall strong penalty record. "I know that it's not easy for him, but I think he has 70 penalties, I think, and he misses like nine,” Amorim stated. He also noted, with a touch of humor, that two of those misses occurred under his management.

Despite the recent setbacks, Fernandes's historical success rate is a key factor in Amorim's decision. Fernandes has scored the most penalties in the Premier League for Manchester United, with 22 goals, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney. Overall, Fernandes has converted 23 of 29 Premier League penalty attempts for the club. While his success rate isn't the highest in the club's history, his volume of penalties taken and scored is unmatched.

Amorim believes that Fernandes is actively working to improve and adapt his technique. “He’s training [on] the penalties, he’s trying to understand that people are watching the way he scores the penalties, so he’ll be ready,” Amorim said. He acknowledged that opponents are likely analyzing Fernandes's penalty-taking style, and the player is adjusting accordingly.

While Fernandes is the primary choice, Amorim also indicated that there are alternative penalty takers within the squad. Manchester United signed forwards Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in the summer, who could all step in. "We have more guys also to score a penalty if he needs," Amorim said. However, he reiterated his faith in Fernandes to overcome this blip in form. “Again, if we need, we can change, but I’m fully confident that Bruno will sort that out".

Amorim also commented on Fernandes's dedication to the game, noting that he is one of the few players who consistently watches football matches and studies his teammates and opponents. In contrast, Amorim suggested that many modern players are distracted and do not dedicate enough time to studying the game.

As Manchester United prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield, the decision to keep Fernandes as the penalty taker sends a clear message of support and trust in the team's captain. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Fernandes to reaffirm his confidence and demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.