says he gave his penalty to Marcus Rashford during Manchester United’s win over Everton as the forward ‘needed a bit of confidence’.
United beat 3-0 at a raucous Goodison Park on Sunday, with .
scored the third late on, but there were eyebrows raised over the second which came from the penalty spot after VAR deemed that Ashley Young had tripped Martial in the box.
United’s captain and penalty taker Fernandes grabbed the ball but to the surprise of everyone handed it to Rashford, a decision that even caught manager out.
Thankfully for the Red Devils, the 26-year-old blasted his spot-kick past England teammate Jordan Pickford – only his second goal of the season.
Explaining his decision, Fernandes told Sky Sports: ‘Because Marcus needed a bit of confidence, he needed his goal.
‘He is an excellent penalty taker. I was sure he could score that 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.
‘I am really happy he scored a boost of confidence for him. He could take on any player [after that] and a threat to Everton again.’
And while he looked confused by it on the sidelines, Ten Hag hailed Fernandes’ selflessness, telling BBC Sport: ‘At first I was wondering why it was not a penalty. So obvious. Happy we got the penalty.
‘We have some very good penalty takers. You see also how great captain Bruno is. He assessed his team-mate needed that goal.
He has the confidence in Rashy, who is a good penalty taker. As a team you need that leadership that you back each other.
‘There you saw the captaincy – he knew a player needed the goal. It will help him and give him extra strength.
‘Our three offensive players scored. That’s what we need. It will help us as a team.’
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