Man United fan taunted Rashford, leading to confrontation before Newcastle game
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What was said to Marcus Rashford that prompted him to confront a member of the crowd inside Old Trafford on Wednesday evening has been revealed.
The United star was warming up during Manchester United’s final Premier League home game of the season against Newcastle when he clashed with the supporter in the stands.
This treatment of rashford is just going too far, can see it’s clearly getting to him too. pic.twitter.com/e07Vitxweg
— Jacob (@JacobHorsfall_) May 15, 2024
Footage posted on social media showed the England international responding to shouts from one section of the crowd as he was welcomed back into Erik ten Hag’s squad following an injury.
United went on to produce one of their best performances of the season as a revitalised team boosted by the return of key players earned a largely dominant 3-2 win over Eddie Howe’s side.
Rashford made an appearance later in the game as United sought to solidify their lead amid being linked with a potential exit from Old Trafford in the summer.
A difficult season for the senior attacking figure has seen Rashford score just eight goals across 41 appearances, with his spot in England’s upcoming European Championship squad under threat.
One video from United’s midweek victory saw Rashford have a back and forth exchange with a member of the crowd, walking away from his team-mates to the touchline as they went through pre-match stretches.
It has now been revealed that the fan told the 26-year-old – who signed a new mega contract at the club last summer – ‘If you wanna go, go!’, as reported by The Mirror.
Rashford is believed to have retorted: ‘Why don’t you go?’ while pointing to the United crest on his warm-up jersey.
Rashford was later seen being ushered away from the touchline by his team-mates, with midfielder Christian Eriksen seen attempting to grab his arm and pull him away.
One fan can be overheard telling those sat near to a group of photographers to ‘just leave him [Rashford] alone.’
‘Don’t listen to him Rashford,’ a supporter was heard shouting as the Man United players returned to the dressing rooms after completing their warm-up.
Rashford was cheered on by supporters as a second half substitute in Man United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle.
It’s been a tough season for the Man United star, who has failed to match his 30-goal haul of the 2022-23 campaign.
Amid injuries and issues off the pitch, the striker has scored just seven goals in the Premier League this season, having made 31 appearances.
Some United fans have criticised his performances on social media, with well-known YouTuber Mark Goldbridge hitting out at Rashford for his lack of form.
After receiving abuse online, Rashford offered a concerning update on how he was, speaking out against ‘months of abuse’ he had received, telling fans that ‘enough was enough’.
One United fan had published a post on X (formerly Twitter) which read: ‘The way Marcus Rashford is being treated is absolutely disgusting. It’s cruel. It’s abuse.’
The United forward wrote back claiming that he was tired of the abuse he has received in recent months. ‘I appreciate your support! It is abuse and has been for months. Enough is enough,’ Rashford said.
But it appears Rashford has continued to receive abuse from United fans even inside Old Trafford, with the forward looking incensed by the comments that were put to him during Wednesday’s warm-up.
Earlier this season, the England star had faced the wrath of his manager Erik ten Hag after he was spotted on a night out in Belfast, before subsequently failing to turn up to training, costing him a place in United’s squad for their FA Cup clash against Newport County.
Rashford issued a statement reflecting on the incident and his season in the Player’s Tribune, stating that people need to stop questioning his commitment to Man United.
‘Listen, I’m not a perfect person,’ Rashford wrote in an article published in the Players Tribune. ‘When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say I need to do better.
‘But if you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up.
‘It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity and everything I stand for. I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge.’