How did Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes react to Jadon Sancho missing penalty in Community Shield? Journalist makes key observation

The Athletic's Carl Anka noted on Twitter (now X) that Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was the first player to console Jadon Sancho after he missed his penalty. Following a 1-1 draw at full-time against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Sancho missed his effort in the penalty shoot-out as the Cityzens secured the win.

Jonny Evans also missed his effort for the Red Devils and Manuel Akanji scored the decisive penalty for City.

This was Sancho's first penalty since the EURO 2020 final for England against Italy. The English forward had missed his spot-kick in the crucial fixture at the same venue, Wembley Stadium, as Italy secured the win.

In the Community Shield clash, Sancho shot to Ederson's left, who dove well and pushed the ball onto the goalpost. As Sancho returned to the centre-circle, journalist Carl Anka noted that Fernandes was the first United player to offer comfort to the Englishman. He wrote on X:

"Jadon Sancho missing a penalty at Wembley once again. Bruno Fernandes first of his teammates to talk to him and offer comfort."

Fernandes was brilliant against City, as he set up Alejandro Garnacho's goal for Manchester United and had a brilliant curler from outside the box ruled out due to offside.

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Erik ten Hag backs Jadon Sancho after penalty miss for Manchester United in Community Shield

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag backed Jadon Sancho after the winger missed his effort in the penalty shootout against Manchester City. The 24-year-old returned to Old Trafford from a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund at the beginning of pre-season, and his penalty miss will not have helped things.

However, Ten Hag was dismissive of any issues, as he noted that Sancho remains a quality penalty taker. Speaking after the game, he told ITV Sport (via Sport Bible):

"Yes, he's a very good penalty taker, and today he missed. This is part of the game."

Jadon Sancho has not had the best time at Manchester United since joining the club in 2021 and he notably clashed with the manager last season. After Ten Hag mentioned his poor training output in the media, Sancho responded to the manager's comments on social media and refused to apologize.

This led to a ban from first team activities and duties, with Sancho eventually going on loan to his former club Borussia Dortmund. He reached the UEFA Champions League final with Dortmund and returned to Old Trafford after his loan spell. The differences between Sancho and Ten Hag have reportedly been settled.