Marcus Rashford has been a leading light for Manchester United since the return of domestic football following the World Cup, with the England star enjoying an incredible run of form in front of goal.
Despite England’s quarterfinal exit at the 2022 finals in Qatar, Rashford has shown no signs of low confidence, with 10 goals from 10 games since his return to Manchester.
That hot streak represents the most consistent numbers Rashford has racked up during his career as the 25-year-old looks to become the undisputed star for his club.
As part of his relentless ability to find the back of the net in recent weeks, Rashford has also modelled a new goal celebration, in a nod to the hard work he has done off the pitch this season.
MORE: Man United transfer news: Latest January window updates
What is Rashford’s goal celebration?
Rashford’s ‘temple point’ reaction has taken off since the start of 2023 as a rival to Kylian Mbappe’s arm-fold and Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siuuuuu’ celebration.
The celebration itself is rumoured to be an indicator of Rashford acknowledging his positive reaction to mental health and confidence issues in the past 12 months.
Whilst Ronaldo has typically named his celebration in trademarked single-minded style, Rashford has indicated his celebration is a gesture to be used by anyone.
What does Rashford’s goal celebration mean?
Rashford has not confirmed specifically what his celebration refers to, but quotes from him in October confirmed a battle with personal issues as his career faced a crossroads during the 2021/22 season.
👉🏾🙎🏾♂️😀 pic.twitter.com/liXiVciLfI
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) January 14, 2023
“I was struggling at times with more mental things. It wasn’t really my own performance, but other things off the pitch. That’s the biggest difference from last season,” he said.
“Too often last season, I wasn’t in the right headspace for games. I wasn’t surprised by some of the stuff that was happening.”
M🅰️RCUS R🅰️SHF⚽️RD pic.twitter.com/XOeKS6tGwj
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 6, 2023
The first appearance of Rashford’s new celebration came after his winner in the December 31 Premier League victory at Wolves. After starting the game on the bench as punishment for being late to a team meeting, he came on as a substitute to score the only goal of the game.
Innbytter Rashford ble matchvinner mot Wolves!#ViaplayPL pic.twitter.com/Th4TR3LOrz
— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) December 31, 2022
Why are other players doing Rashford’s celebration?
Rashford’s new celebration has caught on across the Premier League and Europe with rival players also opting for the gesture after scoring.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka mirrored Rashford in the Gunners’ 3-2 Premier League win over United, after the Red Devils forward had opened the scoring at the Emirates Stadium.
SAKA HIT THE SAME CELEBRATION AS RASHFORD 😆 pic.twitter.com/RwsBSiS1QH
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 22, 2023
However. players from across other major leagues have also been seen copying Rashford, including England teammate Tammy Abraham at Roma and Germany star Joshua Kimmich.
Kimmich hit the Rashford celly after his GOLAZO 😱 pic.twitter.com/XEOrAc1vZY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 24, 2023
Similarly to Rashford, other players have opted against publicly speaking out on the meaning behind the celebration, with positive messages surrounding mental health advocacy welcomed by football fans.
