Marcus Rashford: The Reason Behind Man United’s Star’s Goal Celebration vs Tottenham

Marcus Rashford: The Reason Behind Man United’s Star’s Goal Celebration vs Tottenham

Rene Otinga
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
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M.Rashford
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R. Keane
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  • Marcus Rashford made a mouth gesture as he celebrated his goal against Tottenham
  • The forward’s celebration was criticized by fans and United legend Roy Keane
  • Rashford has since responded to the criticism on social media

Marcus Rashford recently responded to criticism from Roy Keane and fans alike on his goal celebration against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, January 14.

The 26-year-old scored his first goal at Old Trafford since May 2023 as United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against the North Londoners.

His goal, which came five minutes before half-time, restored United’s lead after Rasmus Hojlund’s rocket strike was cancelled out by Richarlison’s header.

Marcus Rashford scored his first goal at Old Trafford since May 2023 on Sunday, January 14
Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the second goal for his team during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole.
Source: Getty Images

As he wheeled away in celebration, Rashford gestured a mouth using his hand, which was initially believed to be a stab at Manchester United fans.

Among those who criticized him was Roy Keane, who insisted the forward needed to improve on his performances instead of responding to fans.

"I don’t know what that is all about. We need to see more, he's showed it before, he's got the quality. Why does he seem to be upset with everybody? He's got to go and enjoy it he's playing for Man United," Keane said on Sky Sports.

Rashford’s response

On X, formerly Twitter, Rashford issued a telling response to the criticism he received by commenting on a fan’s tweet, which summed up his situation.

According to the fan, Rashford’s goal celebration was directed at the critics who came for him for showing Jadon Sancho support after the winger joined Borussia Dortmund on loan from United.

"He's clearly referring to the abuse he's been subjected to this week since he commented on Sancho's post. They literally questioned his loyalty and commitment to us, and he did shut them up by scoring AND assisting. If he didn't score, he's poor. if he does it's this BS.". to which Rashford concurred by simply writing in the comments, “Thank you for clarifying this matter”

Rashford's 2023/24 stats

In terms of goals, Rashford has had a season to forget in 2023/24.

According to stats on Transfermarkt, the England international has scored just four goals across all competitions this season, with Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Scot Mctominay all outscoring him.

Jadon Sancho gets assist in Borussia Dortmund return

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Jadon Sancho’s heroics on his Borussia Dortmund return.

Sancho bagged an assist as Dortmund beat Darmstadt 3-0 on Saturday, January 13, in what was the winger’s first professional match in more than five months.

Authors
Rene Otinga photo
Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.