West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone returned to Old Trafford to almost haunt Manchester United at the weekend.
The former Red Devils trainee put in a very impressive display, benefitted by some wasteful finishing from United’s forwards.
The one player he could not deny was Bruno Fernandes, although he came close.
Johnstone did keep out Fernandes’ penalty, before the referee ordered it be retaken because he was off his line.
Fernandes did not make a mistake the second time and scored United’s winner.
Johnstone was not happy. He sent a message on Sunday night saying Fernandes’ technique should not be allowed.
Fernandes has scored penalties without his hop and skip technique before, simply to mix it up. So if it was for any reason banned, he would get on just fine.
Johnstone’s message comes across as sour grapes, and that’s a shame because it could detract from a good overall performance from himself.
Despite him nearly holding United to a point, it was good to see the former academy star giving a strong account of himself.
He enjoyed being back at Old Trafford, and it showed in his performance.
If Johnstone can play at the high level he did on Saturday all season, then his winless West Brom side have a chance of avoiding relegation.
And as for Fernandes, he will keep on scoring penalties.
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