Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes Reveals Why He Sacrificed Hat-Trick For Marcus Rashford

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes revealed why he sacrificed a hat-trick and instead asked Marcus Rashford to take the penalty in the Red Devils’ 4-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in their 2020-21 Champions League meeting Tuesday.

Fernandes netted a brace before Rashford scored from a spot-kick and Daniel James scored in extra-time as Manchester United avenged their first-leg 2-1 loss to Istanbul in Turkey.

The Portuguese playmaker scored in the opening 20 minutes before Rashford was fouled in the penalty area. Fernandes, who could have registered a hat-trick, handed the ball to his teammate.

Fernandes, who scored via a penalty in Manchester United’s previous match against West Brom in the Premier League, revealed that he had promised Rashford to give him the next penalty, saying it was important for the talented English forward to maintain his confidence.

"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, " Fernandes told BT Sport post-match.

With three wins from four matches, Manchester United find themselves on top of the Group H table, which also has Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RB Leipzig. Another win in the competition could potentially see them qualify for the Round of 16. Despite winning two games in a row in the Premier League, Manchester United lie 10th in the table, having tasted victories in just four out of the eight games they have played so far.

Despite the victory Tuesday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had to take two of his defenders – Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof off due to injuries. While Lindelof was taken off due to a back problem, the Manchester United right-back Wan-Bissaka is believed to have suffered an ankle injury.

The Red Devils are back in action next Sunday when they take on Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium.