MANCHESTER UNITED legend Paul Scholes was left baffled after Bruno Fernandes selflessly gave up the chance to grab a hat-trick AGAIN.
The Portuguese playmaker, 26, once claimed he ‘doesn’t care’ who scores, so long as he’s helping the team.
Bruno Fernandes selflessly threw Marcus Rashford the ball for Manchester United’s penalty – despite being on a hat-trickCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Rashford was given the ball by Fernandes and duly convertedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And he proved that for a second time in three games during Tuesday night’s clash with Istanbul Basaksehir.
Just before the international break, in the 3-1 win at Everton, Fernandes squared for Edinson Cavani to score his first goal for the club, despite being clean through himself.
And Fernandes was at it again at Old Trafford on Tuesday having already put United in a commanding position.
Fernandes blasted home a thunderbolt of a half-volley in the seventh minute to give his side the lead over the Turkish champions – who won their home game against United 2-1.
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The midfielder netted again a little over ten minutes later, taking advantage of poor goalkeeping, to double his side’s lead.
Shortly after the half an hour mark, Rashford was brought down in the penalty area.
As Man Utd’s designated – and prolific – penalty taker, Fernandes looked a dead-cert to bag a Champions League hat-trick.
But instead he generously gave the ball to Rashford, who duly converted – scoring his first goal since his treble against RB Leipzig on October 28.
Rashford coolly slotted home his penalty to put United 3-0 upCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Rashford thanked Fernandes after netting from 12 yardsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The decision baffled club legend Scholes – who revealed his bemusement at half-time while working as a pundit for BT Sport.
Scholes said: “I don’t get it… Fernandes has taken all the penalties when he’s played.
“It’s a chance to get a hat-trick on a European night. I don’t understand it.
“But fortunately we got the same result anyway.”
Fernandes explained his decision after the game – ultimately won 4-1 by United – saying he’d already told Rashford the next penalty, whenever that came, would be his.
The Portuguese star revealed: “Of course every player wants to score a hat-trick…
“But after the last game in the Premier League I told Rashford he could take the next one… 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 getting that confidence.
“It doesn’t matter who takes the penalties, the most important thing is scoring, and the team scores.
“When the team scores, I score too.”
Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes give in-depth secrets behind his unusually unique but successful penalty style
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
