Bruno Fernandes insists he was fully justified in his decision to allow Marcus Rashford the chance to score Manchester United’s second goal against Everton from the penalty spot.
Erik ten Hag’s side returned to winning ways with what was ultimately a straightforward win over the toothless Toffees, courtesy of two first-half spot kicks both of which were earned by Alejandro Garnacho.
Fernandes tucked away his penalty after just 12 minutes and it was somewhat surprising to see the United skipper pass up the chance to double his tally 10 minutes before the interval.
The Portugal international’s decision was, ultimately vindicated, when Rashford sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way, allowing him the chance to score his first goal at Old Trafford since the middle of January.
‘We both kick the penalties. I asked Marcus if he wanted to take and he said he was confident,’ Fernandes told TNT Sport when asked why he handed penalty taking duties to his teammate.
‘He is one of the penalty takers that the manager chooses. I felt I had my one, Rashy could get his goal from the penalty.’
Champions League qualification, meanwhile, remains only a remote possibility for a United squad whose attention will now turn to the outcome of tomorrow’s match between Aston Villa and Tottenham, the two teams directly above the Red Devils in the table.
‘Obviously we know we have to win every game that we have ahead,’ Fernandes added when asked what the objective for the rest of the season was.
‘We know our position in the league and it’s not enough for us. We want to try and get into the spots for the Champions League.
‘We know it’s going to be tough and difficult but we have to win these games.
‘We have to win every game. We didn’t win against Fulham. That was not good enough. Then we go away to City and we don’t win two games in a row.
‘It gets tough. Aston Villa is doing really well, in moments Tottenham are being really good. It will be more difficult for us than them but we have to push.’
