Fernandes, who is the usual penalty taker for United surprisingly passed up a chance to take a spot kick to Rashford
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes has justified his decision to pass up the chance to take the penalty against Everton in their 3-0 Premier League win on Sunday.
The Red Devils opened the scoring in the encounter as early as the 3rd minute after Alejandro Garnacho scored a wonder strike, while Anthony Martial scored the third goal of the match.
However, there were eyebrows raised over the second goal which came from the penalty spot after VAR changed the on-field decision by the referee after it deemed that Ashley Young tripped Martial in the box.
Fernandes, who is the usual penalty taker, after picking up the match ball, surprisingly handed it over to Rashford.
The Three Lions striker then blasted his spot-kick past Jordan Pickford to score his second goal of the season and Man United’s second of the game.
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Explaining his decision after the match, Fernandes told Sky Sports that he decided to allow Rashford to take the spot kick because he felt a goal would boost his confidence.
He said “Because Marcus needed a bit of confidence, he needed his goal.
“He is an excellent penalty taker. I was sure he could score that penalty and Marcus did it perfectly.
“I think obviously strikers and wingers need to score goals, it is part of their game. Marcus was unstoppable and he could take on everybody.”
The 3-0 victory against Everton took Man United from the 8th position to 6th on the league table and they are now 6 points away from league leaders, Arsenal and 4 points from Champions League position.
The Toffees, on the other hand, remain firmly rooted in the relegation zone following the decision of the league’s management to deduct 10 points from the club for breaching financial fair play rules.
