Jose Mourinho has revealed that it was his decision for Daley Blind to take Manchester United‘s penalty in the second half of the 2-0 victory at home to Benfica last night.
Romelu Lukaku, who saw his barren run in front of goal extend to six games, looked set to take the spot-kick, with substitute Ander Herrera then taking the ball from him. However, Mourinho overruled both players and elected Blind as the penalty taker, with the Dutchman converting to secure the victory.
Speaking post-match, Mourinho said: “The players were happy to take the responsibility, Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera but my choice was Daley Blind.”
United had missed a penalty in the first half when Anthony Martial saw his effort saved by Mile Svilar.
An unfortunate own goal from the Benfica goalkeeper, who saw Nemanja Matic’s long-range effort hit the post and then deflect off him and into the net, put United in front before Blind’s spot-kick put Mourinho’s team on the verge of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in four years.
Lukaku will be disappointed that he wasn’t given the opportunity to score from the spot but the 24-year-old will hope to find the net against his former club Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
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