Bruno Fernandes hailed as the perfect captain as 'classy' Marcus Rashford gesture spotted

Bruno Fernandes has been praised for helping Marcus Rashford with a 'classy' gesture during Sunday's match between Manchester United and Everton.

United travelled to face Everton at Goodison Park in the Toffees' first match since their 10 point deduction in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag's side took the lead after just four minutes in spectacular fashion, Alejandro Garnacho putting the visitors ahead with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Everton recovered well from that setback and pushed hard for an equaliser but were dealt a hammer blow when Anthony Martial was brought down by former United defender Ashley Young inside the area.

Referee John Brooks initially waved away United's penalty appeals and booked Martial for simulation.

But he reversed his decision following a VAR review, awarding the away side a spot kick.

United's regular penalty taker Fernandes initially took possession of the ball but then handed it to Rashford.

The England international took full advantage of his opportunity to score, firing past Jordan Pickford to bag just his second goal of the season.

Rashford's dramatic loss of form has been a major talking point in the current campaign and fans were quick to praise Fernandes for helping to boost the striker's confidence after a lean period.

"This is why Bruno Fernandes IS captain material," posted one fan on X.

"He knows Rashford is struggling for form, and confidence and goals and he handed him the ball to take the penalty to get him going."

Rashford scored only his second goal of the season (Image: Getty)

"Bruno Fernandes is amazing for giving Rashford the penalty considering he’s been out of form & needs his confidence back. That’s my captain right there," added another.

A third wrote: "Class captaincy by Bruno Fernandes. Respect."

While a fourth added: "Fernandes is class there giving the pen to Rashford. He knows he needs that goal."

Anthony Martial went on to add a third goal for United later in the second half to put the result beyond doubt.

Topics: Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Premier League, Bruno Fernandes, Football, Everton, Fan Reactions

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan