TIL Desk Sports/ Without a goal in the previous five games, Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was quick to grab the ball when his team were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute of their Champions League game against Benfica.
United were 1-0 up and had already missed one penalty, a soft effort from Anthony Martial saved by Benfica’s 18-year-old keeper Mile Svilar. But with Lukaku ready to end his barren spell and secure the win, United manager Jose Mourinho signalled he wanted someone else to take the spot-kick.
Spanish subsitute Ander Herrera showed his willingness to take the kick but still Mourinho was not happy until his clear choice, Dutch defender Daley Blind was given the ball and drove confidently down the middle. It was an unusual scene but Mourinho said it was simply the boss doing his job.
“I am paid to take decisions – good or bad. In the first half the decision was bad because the player I chose to take the penalty missed,” he said.
