Marcus Rashford responds to Roy Keane criticism as Man United target £35m starlet

Marcus Rashford has responded to criticism about his celebration after scoring on Sunday afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur.

Rashford, 26, has now scored or assisted four goals in his last four appearances for United. He now has 10 goal contributions for the campaign.

It has been a difficult season so far for Rashford and many other United players, none more so than Jadon Sancho, who was exiled from the squad at the beginning of September after a fall-out with Erik ten Hag.

Sancho has now moved to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the season, and after Rashford sent his teammate a message under his Instagram page, he received a lot of online abuse from individuals questioning his commitment to the Old Trafford team.

After scoring on Sunday, Rashford celebrated by gesturing a mouth with his hand, and Keane was critical afterwards, saying:

“I don’t know what that is all about. We need to see more; he’s shown it before, and 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.”

Some United supporters believed that it was Rashford trying to ‘shut up the critics’ who have questioned his form. Rashford has clarified that it was instead aimed at the abuse he received and those who questioned his commitment after commenting on Sancho’s post.

One fan on X wrote: “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 sh*te, if he does it’s this BS smh.”

Rashford responded to the post, saying: “Thank you for clarifying this matter.”

Meanwhile, United are reportedly targeting young forward Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old striker has scored eight goals this term for Serie A side Bologna and Sky Germany has stated that United have a high opinion of the Dutchman’s quality and development.

It was added that The Reds even inquired about a possible transfer for Zirkzee this month, but Bologna is not ready to let him go yet. Instead, he can leave the Italians in the summer and has a release clause of around £35 million.