Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on the team's penalty-taking hierarchy after their nerve-shredding FA Cup semi-final encounter with Coventry City.
The Red Devils secured their place in the final after a heart-stopping penalty shootout at Wembley, but not before throwing away a commanding 3-0 lead during normal time. The Championship side staged a remarkable comeback to force extra time and eventually penalties, creating one of the most dramatic moments of the football season.
The Penalty Pecking Order Revealed
In a revealing post-match interview, Fernandes disclosed the structured approach United employ when it comes to spot-kicks. "I think everyone knows their position in the rank," the Portuguese maestro stated. "I was probably the first, then probably Case [Casemiro], then probably Eriksen or Dalot. But I have to say, H [Harry Maguire] is always an option, he's a good taker."
This insight comes as particularly timely given the absence of regular penalty-taker Marcus Rashford, who was substituted during normal time, leaving questions about who would step up in the crucial shootout moments.
Wembley Drama Unfolds
The match itself provided enough drama to last an entire tournament. Manchester United appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory before Coventry mounted an unbelievable second-half fightback, scoring three unanswered goals to level the match.
The Championship side even had a potential winner dramatically disallowed by VAR in the dying moments of extra time, adding to the theatre of an already pulsating encounter.
Fernandes reflected on the emotional rollercoaster: "It's a mixed feeling. We're happy to get to the final, but we know we should have finished the game much earlier. We had the chances to kill it."
Looking Ahead to Manchester Derby Final
The victory sets up a mouth-watering Manchester derby final against rivals Manchester City, who defeated Chelsea in their semi-final clash. This marks a repeat of last year's final and offers United a chance for redemption after their defeat in that encounter.
Fernandes acknowledged the significance of the occasion: "We know what it means for our fans to be in the final, especially against City. We have to be better than we were today, but we'll be ready."
The United captain's revelation about the penalty hierarchy provides fascinating insight into the team's preparation for high-pressure situations, something that could prove crucial when they return to Wembley next month.
