Pogba hails Rooney for letting him take vital penalty during yesterday’s Europa league match

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Paul Pogba has revealed that Wayne Rooney stepped aside to allow him to take a vital penalty as Manchester United secured a 4-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

The 23-year-old midfielder converted in the 31st minute to claim his second goal for the club, after Simon Kjaer had fouled Juan Mata inside the box.

He then passed the penalty-taking mantle to Anthony Martial, who also found the net three minutes later after being bundled over by Sener Ozbayrakli.

Pogba made it 3-0 to United in first-half stoppage time with a wonderful long-range strike, and Jesse Lingard added a fourth after the break before Robin van Persie marked his return to Old Trafford by netting a late consolation for the Turkish side.

The result moved United into second place in Group A, level on points with leaders Feyenoord, and Pogba was understandably delighted with both the performance and the result. 

"We wanted the win because it was really important and now we are at the top of the group and are looking forward to the next game," he said.

"I told Wayne I wanted to take the penalty and he let me. I am very happy to score that penalty and from a player like him to let me [do that] it is big respect, so I am very glad.