Youri Tielemans appeared to imitate Bruno Fernandes’ penalty routine before his Manchester United teammate stepped up and scored from the spot against Ipswich Town, with the unusual moment now spreading rapidly online.
Manchester United secured their opening three points of the campaign at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Bruno Fernandes scoring a hat-trick, while Bryan Mbeumo and an own goal from Jacob Greaves completed an entertaining 5-2 triumph.
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The Reds had to fight back after falling behind to Gary O’Neil’s newly promoted outfit, with Fernandes once again producing when his team needed him most.
The Portuguese midfielder first brought United level with an excellent left-footed finish before extending their advantage to two goals in the 60th minute, calmly converting a penalty after Matheus Cunha was brought down inside the area.
Footage of Fernandes’ spot-kick soon surfaced on social media, revealing Tielemans seemingly copying his teammate’s movements as he prepared to take the penalty.
Tielemans, who covered more ground and created more opportunities than anyone else on the pitch against Ipswich, even acted as though he was striking the ball himself before Fernandes put United 3-1 ahead.
Tielemans mirrored Bruno throughout the penalty, every step back, every shift, every pause, every stride.
Perfect synchronization. pic.twitter.com/vxzL88N0wQ
— Brizzy (@Utdbrizzy) August 30, 2026
The Belgian midfielder seemingly intended to make a forward run into the area should the goalkeeper save the penalty.
By copying Fernandes’ entire routine, including his distinctive curved approach and stutter, Tielemans was able to stay level with his teammate without entering the box prematurely.
There was also speculation among supporters that Tielemans’ movements may have unsettled Ipswich goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, who appeared to engage in his own psychological battle by positioning himself towards the far side of his goal.
Supporters were quick to praise the midfielder’s creative approach, with one saying: “Tielemans mirrored Bruno throughout the penalty, every step back, every shift, every pause, every stride. Perfect synchronisation.”
Another fan wrote: “This was GENIUS by Youri Tielemans. Watch the Goalkeeper. He was clearly distracted,” while a third commented: “Makes it easier to time your run into the box so you don’t encroach instead of a standing start.”
A fourth supporter added: “Haha fascinating. Almost like a technique to give the keeper double vision. Love it.”
Before United’s Premier League meeting with Ipswich, John McGinn spoke about what Tielemans could offer his new club following his £35 million summer departure from Aston Villa.
“He’s going to be a big loss for us,” McGinn said on The Overlap’s Stick to Football.
“Unbelievable professional. Work rate, quality. Just a good teammate and all-round good guy, but he’s got quality as well. He can find a pass, he can score a brilliant goal. I’m talking about the complete player here.
“I saw Jonny Evans talk about him a couple of weeks ago in the media and he said he’s probably what United have been missing. We’re going to lose him on and off the pitch, he’s a top player and so determined to win.
“That’s the one thing that I’ll maybe miss from a lot of the players [who have left Aston Villa this summer], the mentality when the going’s getting tough. I’ve got no doubts that Youri at United, he’ll deliver that, definitely.”
