Ruben Amorim explains decision to shun Bruno Fernandes at critical Man Utd moment

Ruben Amorim was criticised for not watching Manchester United’s penalties in midweek but again looked away when they had their match winning spot kick against Burnley

Ruben Amorim again looked away when his Manchester United side had a penalty as he turned his back for Bruno Fernandes’ late winner from the spot against Burnley – claiming he wanted to see the fans’ reaction instead.

The Red Devils needed an intervention from VAR late in stoppage time to down the Clarets with their skipper stepping up to seal the 3-2 win. The victory was United’s first of the season and extremely well timed following their Carabao Cup embarrassment in midweek.

Amorim’s side were knocked out by Grimsby on penalties. The League Two side winning 12-11 in the shootout with Bryan Mbeumo missing the decisive penalty. The Portuguese coach caught the attention after choosing not to watch any of the spot kicks.

He repeated that when Fernandes, who had blazed over from the penalty spot in last weekend’s draw at Fulham, stepped up with the game on the line as Amorim claimed he wanted to see how the home supporters would react.

After gazing towards the Stretford End he said: “I like to see the image of the fans. What has to be has to be. In that moment, I was thinking it would be fair to win the game – and I did not think Bruno would miss a second in a row.”

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The United boss has struggled to oversee an upturn in form throughout his 10 months in charge and has often spoken his mind after defeats. Prior to the Burnley clash he admitted he thinks of quitting his role on occasion as he wears his heart on his sleeve.

He said: “I know sometimes it’s me that starts that. I’m really emotional. But when you look at the context what we lived in the past months, you can understand. I want to be in a different way during the weeks, and for that you need to win. So today was a must-win and we won. Let’s move on.”

United’s winning penalty came after Jaidon Anthony was adjudged to have pulled Amad Diallo’s shirt inside the box. Refereee Sam Barrott was sent to the monitor by VAR and, as is often the case, a penalty was awarded.

Burnley boss Scott Parker was angry that referee Sam Barrott was sent to the monitor after VAR official Stuart Attwell spotted Jaidon Anthony was adjudged to have pulled Amad Diallo’s shirt inside the box.

Clarets boss Scott Parker said: “I’m gutted for the fans and I’m gutted for the players because the game gets decided on a last-minute VAR call that obviously makes us not get the point that I felt we deserved. The ref doesn’t give it, the linesman don’t give it, he’s 10 metres away. The guy 100 miles away has decided that it’s a clear and obvious error from the ref, and then obviously it’s a penalty.”

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