The reason behind entrusting Marcus Rashford with penalty responsibilities at Everton was disclosed by BRUNO FERNANDES.

This afternoon, Manchester United easily defeated the Toffees 3-0 to take sixth place in the Premier League standings.

Marcus Rashford slotted home a spot-kick in Man Utd’s win at Everton

Skipper Bruno Fernandes handed over penalty duties to the forward

After barely three minutes, Alejandro Garnacho made headlines with an amazing overhead kick.

But Ashley Young fouled Anthony Martial in the vicinity, giving the Red Devils a chance to double their advantage from there.

As United’s habitual penalty taker, Captain Fernandes, 29, shocked everyone by delegating the task to his 26-year-old teammate.

And his belief in the forward paid off when, in the 56th minute, he scored a thunderous goal just before Martial completed the win.

Rashford finished as the team’s leading scorer last season with a career-high 32 goals across all competitions.

But coming into the trip to Goodison Park, he has only managed one goal in 16 club appearances in all competitions this season.

Erik ten Hag, the club’s manager, and the supporters have serious concerns about his play.

And his captain was desperate to try and get him to find his scoring form again.

“I felt Marcus needed confidence, needed his goal,” Fernandes remarked in response to a question from Sky Sports over the penalty.

“Marcus also takes penalties quite well. He could definitely score that penalty.

The important thing is to score the penalty, and Marcus did it flawlessly. It doesn’t matter who takes it. Goals are what strikers and wingers need and want to score.

That offers you an advantage; that’s a part of the game. Marcus was unstoppable following the penalty, in my opinion; he could take on anybody.

“I believe that occasionally you need this chance, this opening, to regain your self-assurance. He’s been invaluable to us.

Ten Hag responded, “A lot,” when asked how much Rashford needed his goal.

You can also see what a fantastic captain Bruno is. He determined that teammate needed that objective. He is confident in Rashy because he is a skilled penalty taker.

“You need that leadership as a team so that you support one another.”