Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes showed a great example of leadership when he allowed Marcus Rashford to take the penalty against Everton.
The Red Devils registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Toffees in the Premier League this evening.
Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial scored goals in a tricky trip to Goodison Park.
Ashley Young clipped Martial’s foot inside the box, and United were awarded a spot kick after VAR’s intervention.
Bruno Fernandes is the Red Devils’ usual man for the penalties, but he let Rashford take it tonight.
He revealed why he made the call in his post-match interview (via Sky Sports): “I felt Marcus needed a little bit of confidence, [he] needed his goal.
“Marcus is an excellent penalty-taker. I’m 100 per cent sure that he could score that penalty so it’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring the penalty and Marcus did it perfectly.
“Obviously, strikers and wingers want to score goals, they need to score goals; that is part of their game and gives them more of a boost.
“After the penalty, I thought Rashford was unstoppable, taking on everyone. I think you sometimes need this opportunity to get your confidence back.
“Marcus has been great for us. Obviously, last season he was amazing, so everyone’s expectations for this season were higher.
“It is just about getting his goals back and showing he is world-class again.”
Confidence is a huge factor in sports. And that is something Rashford is currently short of.
The England international enjoyed an outstanding 2022/23 campaign, scoring his personal-best 30 goals.
Expectations were high from the 26-year-old, but Rashford has disappointed this season.
Before today’s game, he amassed a solitary goal in 16 outings.
Captain Fernandes knows when Rashford is in form, he can be one of the most lethal forwards in the world.
In a bid to boost his confidence, Fernandes unselfishly stepped aside from the penalty duty.
Man United will travel to Galatasaray up next in a must-win UEFA Champions League encounter.
Unfortunately, Rashford will not be able to participate in the game after he earned a red card in the previous UCL clash against FC Copenhagen.
However, Ten Hag will be hoping that his €75 million star could return fresh and in form against Newcastle United next weekend.
The Magpies destroyed Chelsea on Saturday by scoring four goals past them. The Red Devils are only one point ahead of them in the Premier League table.
With the race for the top four spots heating up, Man United must look to beat Newcastle.
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