Youri Tielemans used a clever trick just before Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty against Ipswich, and it was pure genius!
Youri Tielemans copied Bruno Fernandes’ exact penalty run-up just before his teammate scored during Manchester United’s win over Ipswich Town—and fans can’t stop talking about it online.
Manchester United grabbed their first three points of the season on Sunday, winning 5-2 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes (3), Bryan Mbuemo, and an own goal from Jacob Greaves. After falling behind, the team bounced back with Fernandes stepping up when it mattered most.
Fernandes scored a great equalizer with his left foot and later put United ahead by two goals after winning a penalty when Matheus Cunha was fouled. Video clips soon appeared showing Fernandes’ penalty run-up, and you can see Tielemans copying every move during his own build-up.
Tielemans, who ran the most and created the most chances on the field against Ipswich, even pretended to shoot before Fernandes actually took the penalty. It looked like he was ready to rush into the box if the ball bounced back. By matching Fernandes’ run-up—with the same curve and pause—he made sure not to step over the line too soon.
Some fans think Tielemans’ mimicry may have distracted Ipswich’s goalkeeper, Kjell Scherpen, who tried to psych out the penalty taker by moving to one side of the goal. Supporters loved Tielemans’ clever move. One said, “Tielemans mirrored Bruno step for step—perfect timing.” Another called it “GENIUS” because it seemed to confuse the keeper, while a third added it helped Tielemans time his run better. A fourth fan joked it was like a trick to “give the keeper double vision.”
Before United’s game with Ipswich, John McGinn shared some insight about what Tielemans brings to the team after leaving Aston Villa in a £35 million move this summer.
“He’s going to be a big loss for us,” McGinn said on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast. “He’s a true pro with great work rate and quality. A good teammate and just a great all-around player. He can pass, score brilliant goals—he’s the complete player.
“I heard Jonny Evans say Tielemans is probably what United have been missing. We’ll lose him both on and off the pitch—he’s a top player and so determined to win.
“What I’ll miss most, especially from players leaving Villa this summer, is that fighting spirit when things get tough. I have no doubt Youri will bring that mentality to United and deliver, for sure.”