Christian Eriksen has revealed why Jonny Evans did not take the penalty against Aston Villa today after Amad was brought down by left-back Ian Maatsen.
Christian Eriksen dispatched the penalty past Robin Olsen to give Manchester United a two-goal lead on the day against Aston Villa in a thumping 2-0 win.
Still, there was a brief moment when it seemed as though Jonny Evans was going to step up and take the penalty in his farewell game.
Bruno Fernandes handed the ball over to Eriksen in what was also his final game at Old Trafford after Ruben Amorim motioned for the Dane to take control.
It was a nice goodbye for the midfielder, who, along with Victor Lindelof and Evans, is set to leave the club on a free transfer when the window opens and their contracts expire. There’s currently no clear indication where the player is going to end up.
Eriksen reveals why Evans did not take penalty
Eriksen has revealed why he took a penalty instead of Jonny Evans today against Aston Villa, as the defender refused to take it. After the game, Eriksen spoke with the BBC and explained why the Northern Irish defender did not take the spot kick.
“On the pitch, Bruno was asking if I was going to take the penalty,” the Dane said. “I said no and that I’ll give it to Jonny. But Jonny didn’t want to take it.”
The midfielder also confirmed his departure during his post-match interview, saying it was the best possible way to end what was, in a lot of ways, a horrific campaign for everyone at the club.
“Yes, that is correct. I think that is also why Bruno gave me a penalty as a nice farewell,” he continued.
“I think we did it today for the fans. It has been a tough season, but I am going to wish them all the best. It is an incredible stadium and an incredible club, and I have no doubt I will be back at some point.
“It has been an exciting few years being in this stadium and playing for this club. I have enjoyed it and I take a lot of good memories with me.”
A blessing Evans did not take penalty
Flashbacks of the Community Shield final against Manchester City would have been going through the minds of many United fans if Evans had stepped up to take the spot kick. The Northern Irish defender took one of the worst spot kicks of all time against the club’s bitter rivals.
Eriksen showed his acumen from 12 yards instead, with the centre-back’s decision to hand the grand moment to his teammate a moment of pure class from Evans to hand Eriksen the glory.
Evans has not announced his retirement as of yet, but he will be leaving the club when the window opens. There were initial beliefs he could join the coaching staff behind the scenes, but that has yet to be confirmed in any capacity.
No matter what, his return to the club under Erik ten Hag was worth it for his performances last season, which ended up helping the team to an FA Cup trophy.
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