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Bruno Fernandes has discussed the viral footage of Youri Tielemans mimicking his penalty run-up during Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, saying the movement appeared intended to help the Belgian reach any rebound quickly.
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Fernandes scored a hat-trick and registered an assist as United came from behind to beat Ipswich at Old Trafford. One of the game’s most discussed moments came before his penalty, when Tielemans was seen copying the captain’s stuttering approach from the edge of the area.
Speaking on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Fernandes addressed the clip and offered his view of what Tielemans was trying to do.
Fernandes breaks down the moment
Fernandes said he believed Tielemans was timing his movement for a possible rebound, while ensuring he did not enter the penalty area before the ball was kicked. The midfielder’s run-up mirrored Fernandes’ own movement, including the jump that is part of the penalty taker’s technique.
According to Fernandes, reproducing that approach is difficult without a ball to strike. He said the jump can cost Tielemans momentum, but described the idea as smart because it allows a player to be moving into the box while others must accelerate from a standing position.
Fernandes also said he did not notice Tielemans’ movement during the match. It made more sense to him afterwards when Tielemans was the first player to reach him to celebrate the successful penalty.
Why Tielemans copied the run-up
The explanation is consistent with Tielemans’ stated reasoning for the moment: he wanted to be quickest to enter the penalty area. In a penalty situation, players must remain outside the box until the kick is taken, making the timing of a run important if the ball returns from the goalkeeper or the post.
Fernandes’ successful spot-kick formed part of a decisive United response after Ipswich had taken the lead. United went on to score five goals, while Ipswich added a late consolation.
Three hat-tricks and counting
The Ipswich treble was Fernandes’ third hat-trick for United since he joined in January 2020, drawing him level with Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie on three for the club. He had recently lifted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award before delivering the hat-trick and assist against Ipswich.
His display also brought United’s Player of the Match award and the Premier League’s Player of the Matchweek honour. Fernandes registered a league-record 21 Premier League assists last season.
An early sign of a partnership
Tielemans arrived at Old Trafford from Aston Villa this summer. The penalty sequence provided a small but notable moment involving the two midfielders, with Tielemans’ movement reflecting an effort to anticipate Fernandes’ kick and react first if a rebound had fallen in the area.