After throwing everything at their Danish opponents, Manchester United finally got the breakthrough they deserved later on in Monday night's Europa League clash. It was Bruno Fernandes who fired the Red Devils in front in the fourth minute of extra-time to equal an old competition record.
It was not for the lack of trying that resulted in the goalless 90 minutes as both teams managed to create a series of goalscoring chances but were unable to break the deadlock. Among the pair, it was United who came closer to getting the opener, having had Mason Greenwood's first-half strike ruled for offside and Bruno Fernandes hitting the goal post on two separate occasions.
21 – Since the start of the 2017-18 Europa League, Bruno Fernandes (13 goals, 8 assists) has had a direct hand in 21 goals in the competition; more than any other player in this period. Omnipresent. #UEL pic.twitter.com/ekm9pVUCF0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 10, 2020
Nevertheless, the Portuguese midfielder's moment of vindication was not far off. With regulation time exhausted, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men resumed action the first half of extra-time with the same zeal as they ended. Four minutes into the period. Anthony Martial was brought down in Copenhagen's penalty area after a brilliant buildup involving Paul Pogba and Bruno. The latter subsequently stepped up to slot home for his side's first of the night.
Watch the goal below:
Bruno Fernandes has scored his last 21 penalties in League/Europe
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 10, 2020
Clinical pic.twitter.com/uv8K679n5E
In essence, Fernandes equalled the Europa League record for the most penalties scored in a single season. So far, the Portuguese playmaker has scored has not missed from the spot in the last four seasons.