The Important Thing Fred Did Before Marcus Rashford’s Penalty

Manchester United scripted history in classic Mancunian fashion against PSG, overcoming a 2-0 home deficit to win 3-3 on aggregate at the Parc De Princes, with a brace from Romelu Lukaku and a dramatic late penalty from Marcus Rashford sealing the club’s quarter-final spot.

The penalty incident was a massive talking point for the game. Next to no United player thought of appealing for a handball, with the white shirts ready to take the corner-kick in a bid to try for the late goal.

However, that opportunity came from an unexpected spot, as the Red Devils were awarded a penalty by the referee, who consulted with VAR and indicated that a handball had indeed occurred inside the box.

Moments later, Marcus Rashford, having never taken a senior team penalty for his club, slotted the ball across Buffon and won it all for the Red Devils.

In the midst of the late drama, Fred played a vital role. Brilliant for much of the game after displaying his mature Champions League experience on the pitch, the Brazilian made another crucial impact during the build-up to the spot-kick.

As the referee was placating the PSG players, Leandro Paredes rushed into the box and attempted to dissuade Marcus Rashford.

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The eagle-eyed Fred spotted this, and rushed in to help his teammate. Along with Romelu Lukaku, the Brazilian cleared many PSG players from distracting the Englishman.

Fred’s performance was quite promising, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even commented that this display may have been a breakthrough one for the former Shakhtar midfielder.

Rashford, for his part, will be reeling at what he achieved with his penalty. The Mancunian lad was born a mere month after Buffon made his senior debut, and yet on the night when it mattered most, the youngster slotted the ball past the legendary keeper with ease.