Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised captain Bruno Fernandes for allowing Marcus Rashford to take a penalty in their 3-0 win over Everton.

United were 1-0 up when a VAR review handed them a penalty kick, and Fernandes, their regular penalty taker, chose to pass the ball to Rashford instead. Rashford then scored from the penalty spot, his second goal in all competitions this season.

Ten Hag praised Fernandes for handing Rashford the penalty after the game. The Dutchman thought it demonstrated “how great a captain Bruno is,” despite the fact that the 29-year-old had previously been chastised for his leadership.

When asked how much Rashford needed the goal, Ten Hag replied, “A lot.” You can also see how wonderful a captain Bruno is by recognizing that his teammate required that goal. Bruno will undoubtedly score, but he has faith in Rashy, who is an excellent penalty taker.

“Take that ball and your self-assurance.” You need that leadership as a team. You back each other up, cover each other up, and give each other confidence because a successful season requires that.”

Meanwhile, Fernandes remarked, “I felt Marcus needed a bit of confidence, needed goals.” Marcus is also a great penalty taker. I am confident that he will score the penalty. It’s not about who takes it, but about scoring the penalty, which Marcus accomplished flawlessly.

Bruno Fernandes awarded the penalty to Marcus Rashford in order to boost his teammate’s confidence.

“Obviously, strikers and wingers want and need to score goals; it’s part of their game and it gives you a boost.” Marcus was unstoppable after the penalty; he could take on anyone. I believe that sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity to regain your confidence.

“However, Marcus has been fantastic for us. Obviously, he was fantastic last season, so everyone’s expectations for this season were higher. It’s simply a matter of getting his goals back, and everyone will continue to say he’s world-class again.”

Marcus Rashford scored against Everton after Bruno Fernandes allowed him to take a penalty.

Fernandes took over as captain at the start of the season when Ten Hag opted to remove Harry Maguire’s armband. And the Dutchman has previously had to defend that decision, declaring earlier this month that he “doesn’t understand” why Fernandes’ captaincy qualifications have been called into doubt.

“I don’t understand why because everyone makes mistakes, no one is perfect,” he said following United’s 1-0 victory over Luton. “But he’s doing a lot of things really well and as a captain, he’s setting an example – we saw today how hard he’s working, he’s pressing and in the end, he’s scoring a goal and he’s massively important for us.”