Manchester United fans have demanded Cristiano Ronaldo takes penalties in future after Bruno Fernandes missed a crucial spot-kick against Aston Villa.
United fell behind to Villa late on when defender Kortney Hause scored, but they had a chance to rescue a point when the goalscorer handled in his own box.
Mike Dean awarded a penalty to the Red Devils in stoppage time, the first spot-kick they’ve been given since Ronaldo’s return to the club.
His compatriot Fernandes, who was reliable from the spot last season, stepped up to take it but he skied it high and wide with a terrible miss.
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United fans were quick to demand a change in the pecking order and questioned why the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wasn’t given the honour.
One tweeted: “Why didn’t Cristiano Ronaldo take the penalty? The best taker under the highest pressure moments.”
Another commented: “Cristiano Ronaldo has scored so many clutch penalties in his career. No disrespect to Bruno but Cristiano Ronaldo should be the first penalty taker in the team. Embarrassing management by Ole.”
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“Bruno please no more penalties for you step aside Ronaldo can control pressure even in last minute give it to him,” one fan pleaded.
Gary Lineker gave his spin on the incident: “Think it’s safe to say that Cristiano will now be on penalties as Bruno hits one that’s yet to re enter the Earth’s atmosphere.”
Fernandes’ miss and the subsequent defeat was United’s first loss in the Premier League this season and leaves them fourth in the table, though they could slip down to sixth.
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It was a disappointing day for the red side of Manchester as they lost their unbeaten league record, contrasted with a dream win for Villa and Dean Smith.
It’s the first time in 12 years they’ve won at Old Trafford and has pushed them up into the top half of the table.
Smith had come under pressure after a lacklustre start to the season but this victory will go a long way to ease any concern he might be sacked.