Bruno Fernandes says he turned down the chance to score his first Manchester United hat-trick in their Champions League win over Istanbul Basaksehir to keep his word to team-mate Marcus Rashford.
After driving a half-volley into the net from the edge of the area, Fernandes put United two ahead inside 20 minutes when keeper Mert Gunok dropped a routine cross at the midfielder’s feet.
Despite scoring from the spot against West Brom three days earlier, Fernandes let Rashford take the penalty that made it 3-0 after the England forward had been sent flying by Boli Bolingoli.
“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,” Fernandes said.
“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.” (BBC)