Bruno Fernandes insisted that he selflessly sacrificed his hat-trick opportunity to allow Edinson Cavani to receive "confidence" from scoring his first Manchester United goal.
Fernandes, who has been in scintillating form since his arrival in January, pulled United back into the contest with a first-half brace.
Advert
And the 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder had the opportunity to complete his hat-trick late on when he was through on goal.
However, Fernandes passed the ball to Cavani to allow the 33-year-old Uruguayan striker to score his first goal for the club.
Speaking after the 3-1 win, the former Sporting CP star claimed that Cavani will be "important for us" and his "first goal will give him confidence."
Fernandes told BBC Sport: "The point is winning the game.
"[I set up Cavani because] for a striker it is important to score for his confidence, he will be important for us and the first goal will give him confidence.
Advert
"I don't need to think about a hat-trick, I need to think about the future.
"Every game is important; we are not good in the league so these three points are important.
"We have a game in hand so we can go closer to the top of the table. We are not the best team now, and we are not the worst team after Istanbul."
"We will get better if we do the right things."
Advert
Cavani became a free agent in the summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain ended.
The Uruguay international completed a free transfer to United on deadline day and made his league debut in the Red Devils' 0-0 draw against Chelsea last month.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics:ย Bruno Fernandes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Goodison Park, Toffees, red devils, Premier League, Everton, Edinson Cavani