Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford deserve immense credit for the way they stepped up successfully in the FA Cup semi-final shootout.
This was a testing mental moment for them. Both players last took a penalty at Wembley in the ill-fated Euro 2020 shootout.
Along with Bukayo Saka, who missed the final spot-kick against Italy, Sancho and Rashford missed their penalties for England in the final.
This was a month before Sancho clinched his move to Manchester United, and when he arrived, he looked like he was still suffering mentally from the miss.
Rashford meanwhile went onto have a poor 2021/22 season. The Euro 2020 final shootout sparked a downward spiral for both players.
Partly responsible was Gareth Southgate. The England boss brought them on for just five minutes before the shootout.
It was Sancho and Rashford meanwhile who had to endure idiotic chants from rival fans of ‘you’ve let your country down’ in stadiums up and down the country.
Rashford and Sancho make a statement
Manchester United fans were nervous for every player who stepped up in the shootout. But especially Sancho and Rashford.
With this shootout being held at Wembley, albeit at a different end to the Euro 2020 final, there was immense pressure on the Red Devils duo.
Both players scored confidently. Sancho had an unorthodox short run-up, but it worked. Roberto Sanchez got nowhere near his penalty.
This was an important moment in Manchester United’s season, and also an important moment individually for Sancho and Rashford.
The duo should be the pride of England after that. Manchester United want players with character, and both Sancho and Rashford showed it. Firstly by stepping up, and then burying their penalties.
This may get lost amid the team success, but this was Sancho and Rashford getting one over on their personal demons. They will both be better off for it.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
