Everton vs United: Fernandes Reveals Why Rashford Was Handed the Penalty

Bruno Fernandes captained Manchester United to defeat Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park yesterday, courtesy of goals from their starting attackers to secure a record win over relegation-threatened Toffees.

The game was filled with loads of talking points bar the fact that United became the first team in Premier League history to keep 500 clean sheets and Alejandro Garnacho’s stunner.

Salient among the other talking points is the declined Marcus Rashford taking the side’s penalty kick instead of the usual taker: Fernandes, who gave the ball to the Englishman who had only managed one PL goal this season before Sunday.

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Explaining the decision to pass on the responsibilities to his teammate post-match via Sky Sports, Fernandes cited a “boost in confidence” as the reason for trusting the task to Rashford, who’s a renowned spot-kick converter.

Fernandes’ words: “[I did it] because I felt Marcus [Rashford] needed a little bit of confidence, he needed his goal.

“Marcus is an excellent penalty taker too, I am 100% sure he could score that penalty.

“It is not about who takes it, it is about scoring and Marcus did it perfectly.

“I think we all know strikers and wingers want to score goals, they need to score, and that is part of their game.

“It gives you more of a boost and as you saw after the goal Marcus was unstoppable. He could take on everyone.

“Sometimes you need this opportunity to get your confidence back and Marcus has been great for us. Last year he was amazing so therefore everyone’s expectations for this season have been a lot higher.

“It is just about getting his goals back and everyone saying he is world-class again.”

What’s next for Manchester United is a must-win Champions League clash against Galatasaray, and the club are set to be without Rashford who picked up a controversial red card in their last outing in the competition.

🚨 BREAKING: Marcus Rashford will serve a one-match ban for his red card in Copenhagen. He will miss the game against Galatasaray away next week, UEFA confirm. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/WmhmkSNwI5

— World Football (@WFootballZone) November 25, 2023