Bruno Fernandes has fired back at Jurgen Klopp’s suggestion that Manchester United get many penalties, saying he is less concerned about what people think.
Klopp has hinted that his team are less likely to get penalty decisions than the Red devils. Ahead of the crucial top of the table clash between the two sides at Anfield on Sunday, Fernandes said Klopp’s comments are a tactic to influence referees.
“I don’t care, honestly,” Fernandes said. “You always see what people say but I really don’t care. I’m not focused on what they are saying. I played in Portugal and when you play for Sporting, Benfica and Porto are always talking about that kind of stuff.
“Sometimes to put pressure on the referee, sometimes just to make some noise in the press. But, for me, the main point is when we have a penalty, if I go to take the ball to the penalty spot, I have to do my job.”
United have been awarded six penalties in the Premier League this Campaign, one more than the Reds and four less than Leicester City’s 10.
Fernandes said there is a simple explanation for the number of penalties they get.
“We have really quick players up front,”he added. “Anthony [Martial] is one of the best players one against one in the box, Marcus [Rashford] is another one who is quick and has quick feet who can take the ball away from the defender in any moment.
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“It’s normal that sometimes because of that [they will be tripped] and will fall and they gain penalties. It is what it is. People can talk and say what they want. But, for me and the team, the main point is continuing to do the right things and when we get a penalty, just scoring.”
“You don’t want your rivals at the same level as you, or with the same amount of trophies as you,” he added.
“So it’s clear for everyone here at the club and in the dressing room, everyone knows what it means for the supporters. But the main point for us is to know what every game means to us. Every game has to mean the same. We have to go into every game with the same mentality as we have for Liverpool.
“It would be a lot more fun with 21 titles and Liverpool still on 19, of course, but the main point for us is to keep going and make our best in every game.”
