Cristiano Ronaldo and other players have backed Bruno Fernandes after his penalty miss against Aston Villa.

 Cristiano Ronaldo has backed Bruno Fernandes after his penalty miss against Aston Villa.

The Manchester United playmaker missed a stoppage time effort as his side lost 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes 

Fernandes, usually so clinical from the spot, blazed his effort high into the Stretford End as United suffered their third defeat in their last four games.

There had been plenty of debate as to who would take on penalty duties at United.

Fernandes was the individual to step up last term but Ronaldo has been the main man at all his previous clubs and is often one for the big occasion.

Nevertheless it was the man wearing No 18 who stepped up.

He issued an apology on social media to which Ronaldo replied with first list emoji, as a show of support for his compatriot.

Fernandes said: "Nobody is more frustrated and disappointed than me for missing the penalty and the consequent defeat.

"I’ve always assumed my responsibilities and I've always embraced them under pressure in moments like this. Today, I failed.

"But I took a step forward and faced the challenge with the same ambition and responsibility as when, on the many other occasions, the ball ended up in the net.

Criticism and contrasting opinions are a big part of football. I’ve learned to live with it, even using them to drive me on, and I consider it all a very important part of my commitment to never stop trying to improve and to become the best player I can possibly be, for me and the team.

"Today I once again took the responsibility given to me almost since I joined United and I will take it again without any fear or dread whenever called upon."

The defeat means United sit on 13 points - behind all three of their title rivals.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Fernandes will come again but did take issue with the attempts from the Villa players to put him off.

The United boss also confirmed that the decision on who will take penalties is made before the game.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Bruno Fernandes blazed off from 12 yards

He said: "Sometimes it just doesn't go your way. Bruno is such a good penalty taker and today you would have backed him with your mortgage I would guess, unfortunately he just missed this one.

"But he is strong mentally and he'll step forward again.

"Bruno has been excellent and Cristiano is probably the one who has scored the most penalties in world football.

"We've got great takers and it's a missed opportunity for us to get a point."