Carragher points to Fernandes as he blasts ‘extraordinary’ Man Utd record

Jamie Carragher has said that he has “never seen anything” like the “extraordinary” number of penalties Manchester United have received since Bruno Fernandes’ arrival.

Debate over the Red Devils’ record at winning spot kicks surfaced with Jurgen Klopp’s comments. The Liverpool boss pointed out his arch rivals’ better record after his own team’s defeat to Southampton.

However, the discussion has brought in more voices as it has developed; Frank Lebouef told Klopp to stop with his “excuses” for his players’ drop-off in form.

Former referee Mark Clattenburg, meanwhile, has traded blows with the German manager. But ex-Liverpool defender Carragher has now had his say on the debate.

“It’s an extraordinary amount of penalties that Manchester United have had,” the pundit said.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s been since Bruno Fernandes came, actually. And he seems to score them all.”

The Portuguese midfielder has proved a talismanic figure for United since he joined last January.

Indeed, his influences have been recognised with four Premier League Player of the Month awards in 2020 – a record.

Fernandes has spoken out about the criticism that has come his way, insisting that he “doesn’t care”.

Carragher, meanwhile, took sides with his former Liverpool teammate Dietmar Hamann in questioning Clattenburg’s comments about United’s penalty record.

The ex-official said that there was an “aura” when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge that handed them “favourable decisions”.

Hamann criticised Clattenburg for suggesting that there was bias, something the 45-year-old has now denied. Carragher, though, was on Hamann’s side.

Carragher questions Clattenburg comments

“But the stuff that Mark Clattenburg came out with was unbelievable,” he said.

“When you look at why Manchester United dropped off, and why they are now back in the race… you have a referee who has suggested that (Sir Alex) Ferguson made them (the referees) give penalties to United, basically. They were terrified not to give penalties.

“Now they are getting penalties again, and they are challenging again. Mad isn’t it – what a coincidence!

“But, really, the comments from Clattenburg were a joke. It probably sums up how everyone else felt through those years.”

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