Bruno Fernandes penalty saved United’s blushes yet again

Manchester United are through to the semi-final of the Europa League after a hard-fought victory against brave FC Copenhagen.

Bruno Fernandes was the man to convert from the penalty spot after Anthony Martial was brought down inside the penalty area in extra-time after it ended 0-0 after normal time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEK7pglVwHo

The tie didn’t go exactly how many expected it, in fact, it happened the opposite way around as both teams could not be separated after 90 minutes.

It, however, took Anthony Martial going down in the 95th minute to win Manchester United’s 21st penalty across all competition this season for them to pull through.

The entire United team were very poor for much of the first half in Cologne but still had a penalty decision rescinded and a goal cancelled by the Video Assistant Referee.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side resumed the second half a rejuvenated side, improved, and went on to dominate but could not get past inspired goalkeeper, Karl-Johan Johnsson. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood both hit the post while Marcus Rashford had another effort disallowed.

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Fernandes, however, broke through in familiar style for United, keeping his composure to slot in United’s 21st spot-kick of the season at the start of the extra period to extend their adventure for the season by another week.

Johnsson was magnificent for Copenhagen – ending the night with 13 top-notch saves to keep United out as the Red devils rained down 26 efforts on goal while the Danish side failed to register a single shot on target.

United who last won this competition four seasons ago might now go on to face Premier League rivals Wolves should the English team vanquish Europa League specialists Sevilla in the last four in Dusseldorf next Monday night.

Stats and facts from the game (backed by Opta)

• Manchester United have reached the Europa League semi-finals for the second time in the last four seasons – most recently managing to do so in 2016/17 when they went on to win the competition under Jose Mourinho.
• Fernandes has scored 100 per cent of the 13 penalties he has taken in 2019-20 for both Sporting (6) and current club Manchester United (7).
• Brandon Williams and Greenwood are the first pair of Manchester United teenagers to start a major European knockout tie since February 2016, when Marcus Rashford and Joe Riley did so against FC Midtjylland in a Europa League Last 32 tie.