Manchester United return from the international break with a crunch Premier League trip to arch rivals Liverpool.
The Red Devils have endured a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign with just three wins from seven league games so far.
Despite receiving backing from the club hierarchy over his future 'for the next three years', Ruben Amorim has conceded his place remains in the balance, with the incoming weeks crucial for his Old Trafford future.
Amorim secured a 2-2 draw at Anfield last season but United's overall record on Merseyside is poor.
United have only beaten Liverpool once home or away in the Premier League since 2018 and they are without a league victory at Anfield since 2016.
Ahead of such a vital game, Amorim is keen to show a solidified front, and he backed club captain Bruno Fernandes to step up as needed from the penalty spot.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Fernandes has missed the two spot kicks he's taken for the United this season, with the 31-year-old failing from the spot against Fulham and Brentford - with former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher denying him in the latter game.
Bruno Fernandes' Man United penalty record revealed
In total, Fernandes has taken 45 penalties at United since his 2020 arrival, with 39 successful and six missed - but prior to the above - his last failure came back in December 2023.
Fernandes has backed his manager to stay in place, and in turn Amorim, has shown his full faith in United's No.8.
Getty Images
"Yes, he's the main taker. I think he's had 70 career penalties and missed nine – but, two with me!", he said.
"He's really confident. He's training on penalties, trying to understand that people are watching the way he tries to score penalties. So he will be ready."
Fernandes has scored 23 Premier League penalties at United, and his next successful spot kick will bring him above EPL legends Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry.
Man United news and related links
- Wayne Rooney sends message to Ruben Amorim ahead of Liverpool game
- Matthijs de Ligt reveals hidden reason behind why he joined Man Utd
- Man United eye Saudi Pro League striker to solve goal issues