Peter Schmeichel fires warning at Manchester United star after shocking blunder against Barcelona

Peter Schmeichel called Bruno Fernandes ‘stupid’ and urged him to ‘get a grip’ after he gave away a penalty against Barcelona in the Europa League.

Fernandes brought down Alejandro Balde in the box, giving Barcelona a penalty kick in their second-leg Europa League knockout match at Old Trafford on Thursday night, which Robert Lewandowski slotted home to put Barcelona 1-0 up.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Schmeichel was furious with the 28-year-old Portugal international midfielder as he listened to BBC Radio 5 Live.

‘It appears to be a penalty,’ Schmeichel said. ‘It’s so stupid to bring a man down inside the penalty area when Alejandro Balde is heading away from goal.

‘He’s dragged him down. That is simply stupid. That is a clear punishment. It’s just ridiculous and unnecessary.

‘Balde was running away from the goal, nowhere. Simply let him go! The one thing you must eliminate from these big games is mistakes.

‘Bruno Fernandes continues to argue [with the referee]. He needs to get a hold of himself and start concentrating.

‘He made some sloppy passes and now has a penalty that was completely unnecessary. He owes the team and must keep his cool.’

United and Barcelona were looking to advance to the last 16 after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, and it was the Red Devils who did it.

Erik ten Hag’s side has a busy week ahead of them, as they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and West Ham in the FA Cup on Wednesday.