Bruno Fernandes claims he left penalty for Rashford to become top scorer
- Bruno Fernandes says he left a penalty for Marcus Rashford to increase his goal tally
- Man United defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 in the Champions League clash at Old Trafford
- Rashford has now scored five goals in this season's competition as United need a point to qualify into the last 16
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Bruno Fernandes revealed that he left the spot-kick during the win over Istanbul Basaksehir for Marcus Rashford because he is was the highest scorer in the team.
Man United produced a five-star performance against the Turkish side they lost to in the first leg to record a convincing 4-1 win.
Fernandes had put United ahead with a screamer and added another with a stroke of luck in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
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Rashford was then fouled inside the box for a penalty by Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo as the referee pointed to the spot after checking the VAR.
Fernandes denied himself a first-half hat-trick as he tossed the ball to the Englishman to take the spot-kick and England striker sent the goalkeeper the wrong to make it 3-0 after 35 minutes.
When asked about why Fernandes left the spot-kick for Rashford, the Portuguese midfielder told BT Sport:
“Of course every player wants a hat-trick.
“But after the game in the Premier League I told Rashford that he could take the next one so I remembered that and also he’s one of the top scorers in the Champions League so it’s important for him to get the confidence.
“It doesn’t matter who takes the penalty as long as the team scores.”
Ole Gunnar Solskajer who was delighted with his side's attacking flair did not see anything wrong with Fernandes leaving the penalty for his teammate just as he did for Anthony Martial against RB Leipzig.
The Norwegian boss said in a post-match interview:
"It's a good thing Fernandes gave Rashford cos he's also a good penalty taker. Martial was given the spot-kick against Leipzig, so it should be shared around."
Rashford now has five goals in four games in this season's Champions League competition and they Paris Saint-Germain at the Theatre of Dreams next.
United need a point to book their passage into the round of 16 having PSG and Leipzig to play in their final two Group H matches.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Manchester United produced a four-star performance to beat Istanbul Basaksehir 4-1 in their Champions League matchday four fixture.
The Red Devils didn't waste any time as they took the lead in the seventh minute through a thunder from the Portuguese midfielder.
He was in a perfect place to launch an unstoppable shot from the edge of the 18-yard box after the Turkish side tried averting danger from a corner kick.
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Source: Legit.ng
