Paul Pogba took Manchester United penalty because he wanted to, reveals Marcus Rashford after Wolves draw

United midfielder missed his fourth penalty since the start of last season a week after Rashford successfully converted from the spot against Chelsea

Marcus Rashford allowed Paul Pogba to step up for Manchester United’s penalty against Wolverhampton Wanderers as the midfielder wanted to take it.

Pogba missed United’s second-half spot-kick in a 1-1 draw at Molineux, with his effort saved by goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

It was the fourth penalty that Pogba has missed since the start of last season after failing to convert against Burnley, Everton and Southampton last term.

Rashford, meanwhile, has a perfect penalty record for United and scored from the spot to break the deadlock against Chelsea last weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the United manager, said that neither Pogba nor Rashford are designated as his taker.

Instead, the players are encouraged to decide between themselves, depending on who feels confident that they will score.

Rashford confirmed that much when asked to explain why he did not step up to the spot. “Paul wanted to take it, so he took it,” he said. “Everyone can miss a penalty. He’s scored countless of penalties for us. It’s normal to miss one.

"We decide who wants to take it. The confidence you are going to score the goal is always the same. We practice all the time. There is no reason why we shouldn’t score. It’s not on Pogba, it’s on the team.

“We go again in the next game, if we play how we did today then we will be fine.”