Keane and Redknapp in full agreement as Marcus Rashford celebration questioned

15 January 2024 , 10:44

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Keane and Redknapp in full agreement as Marcus Rashford celebration questioned

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has been criticised by both Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp following his pointed goal celebration against Tottenham.

Rashford, 26, scored a goal at Old Trafford for the first time in eight months to put United 2-1 up at home to Spurs on Sunday. The England international was straight-faced while running towards the delighted crowd, sliding on his knees and raising his right hand in a talking motion - seemingly a message to his critics.

Ex-United captain Keane, while impressed with the quality of Rashford's finish and the Red Devils' "sexy" build-up play, told Sky Sports after the game had ended 2-2: "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."

"He simplified his game [today]. He's obviously been told by his manager, the coaching staff that when we are in possession, in space, you've got to run in this game. You've got to stretch teams and when Marcus is doing that it's very hard to stop."

Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Redknapp gave a scathing verdict, claiming: "He's got no right to be upset, he's not done the business!"

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Redknapp was then informed by presenter David Jones that it was Rashford's first goal at Old Trafford since May. "That's not good enough!" he replied. "With his talent, what he can do to people - twist them up - that's what he should be doing. Don't complain!"

Despite only taking a point from the game, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag was pleased to see Rashford back on the scoresheet alongside striker Rasmus Hojlund, with United's forward line struggling for goals this term. "I hope they keep going with this progress," Ten Hag told reporters post-match.

Marcus Rashford suggested that his critics should stop talking after scoring against Tottenham (DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)

Your turn! What did you make of Marcus Rashford's celebration? Join the debate in the comments section.

"You see they are coming up with routines – that is what you need. You need it everywhere but especially in the front line, where there are tight areas and quick decisions have to be made. In a split second you need the right decisions, so you need that intuition."

"When your front players are not scoring, it goes through the whole team."It makes everyone insecure, starting with the front players, because they are of course eager when they’re not scoring and play with less confidence.

"But also defending as they know every goal they concede is then a problem. So when you can put out [Alejandro] Garnacho, Hojlund and Rashford, and then Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen behind, it must be a threat."

Nathan Ridley