Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he let Marcus Rashford take a penalty in the 3-0 win over Everton because his teammate needed a confidence boost.
After a career best season in front of goal in 2022/23 – bagging a stunning 30 goals in all competitions – Rashford has struggled in the opening few months of the current campaign. Prior to Sunday’s clash with Everton at Goodison Park, the wide forward had managed just one goal in all competitions in his first 16 outings of the season, and had been heavily criticised for his general performances levels.
And while his performance against Everton was nothing to write home about – Rashford received a 5/10 in 90min’s player ratings – the England international did finally manage to get on the scoresheet once again, coolly slotting home a second half penalty in the eventual 3-0 win.
Rashford stepping forward to take the penalty came as a surprise to many, given the fact that regular spot kick taker Bruno Fernandes was on the pitch at the time.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the victory, captain Fernandes revealed that he had given Rashford the penalty kick in order to get the forward up and running in front of goal again:
“I felt Marcus needed a little bit of confidence.
“He needs his goal. Marcus is an excellent penalty taker too, I was 100% sure he could score that penalty. It’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring the 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. Marcus last season was amazing so expectations have been higher and it is just about getting those goals back.”
Rashford will be hoping he can build on his goal against Everton when he’s back in action in the Premier League against Newcastle United next Saturday evening.
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