To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Bruno Fernandes Explains His Decision To Give The Penalty To Marcus Rashford

Bruno Fernandes Explains His Decision To Give The Penalty To Marcus Rashford

Fernandes generously handed the ball to Rashford.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Bruno Fernandes is backing Marcus Rashford to be the Champions League top scorer this season after he selflessly gave up the chance to score a hat-trick during Manchester United's victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.

Fernandes bagged two goals before his side were awarded a penalty on Tuesday.

Rashford was brought down in the box with Fernandes set to take the spot kick.

However, the Portuguese midfielder generously handed the ball to the England forward who calmly tucked it away to bring up his fifth Champions League goal of the 2020/21 campaign.

And speaking after his team's 4-1 victory, Fernandes explained his decision - saying he's helping Rashford's cause to be the Champions League top scorer.

"No, that's not the point," he said when asked if he was feeling charitable over the penalty.

"Of course, everyone wants to score a hat-trick but after the game in the Premier League [against West Brom] I told Rashy the next one he will take.

"I remembered that and also because he is one of the top scorers in the Champions League.

"I think it will be important for him to keep going there and taking that confidence."

He added: "As I say, it doesn't matter who takes the penalties. The most important thing is scoring and the team scores. When the team scored I score too."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Rashford is one goal behind top scorer Erling Haaland ahead of tonight's Champions League matches.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: "Marcus is a very good penalty taker as well, Bruno is very confident, if Bruno feels he wants to give it to Marcus, so be it."

The Red Devils return to action on Sunday when they resume their Premier League campaign against Southampton.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Champions League

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

X

@https://twitter.com/NasJabbar