Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has revealed why he gave Marcus Rashford a penalty during their massive 4-1 win against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Fernandes, who is Man United’s designated penalty taker, scored twice in the first 19 minutes – the first a half-volley – and looked to have a golden chance to add a third just past the half-hour mark when Boli Bolingoli fouled Rashford in the area.
The in-form midfielder initially held the ball but then turned to Rashford, who duly slotted in his fifth UCL goal of the season.
"Of course, every player wants a hat-trick, but after the game in the Premier League [against West Brom on Saturday] I told Rashford that he could take the next one.
"So, I remembered that and also he's one of the top scorers in the Champions League, so I think it will be important for him to keep going there and taking that confidence.
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"But as I say, it doesn't matter who takes the penalty as long as the team scores. When the team scores, I score too,” Fernandes told BT Sport after the match.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had no problem with Fernandes' decision to delegate, acknowledging United do have numerous players who are confident from the spot.
"Marcus is a very good penalty taker and Bruno is very confident. Bruno wants to give it to Marcus then why not?
"Anthony Martial took one against Leipzig too - why not share it around?" Solskjaer asked.
The Red Devils’ win was crucial as they had suffered a shock 2-1 defeat in Turkey prior to the international break that provided Group H rivals RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain with encouragement, but Solskjaer's men bounced back at “The Theatre of Dreams”.
