Manchester United supporters unveiled a controversial banner targeting Marcus Rashford during their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night.
The message, displayed in the away end at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, read: “Excuses. Ta ra Marcus.”
The banner appeared as Rashford was absent from the matchday squad for the second consecutive game, having also missed Sunday’s Manchester derby victory over City.
The display has sparked immediate backlash from fellow United supporters, with many condemning the public criticism of their academy graduate.
Marcus Rashford’s future has come into question in recent days
Reuters/SKY
The controversy follows Rashford’s recent interview with journalist Henry Winter, where the forward expressed his readiness for a new direction in his career.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford told Winter.
The 27-year-old insisted his eventual departure would come without animosity, stating: “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”
Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed Rashford’s absence from the Tottenham clash was purely for “selection” reasons.
The forward had also been sent home from training due to illness and did not train with teammates on Monday.
United supporters took to social media to express their disapproval of the banner targeting Rashford.
“Don’t agree with the Rashford banner tonight. I may think it’s best for both player and club he goes, but on matchday you should be 110% behind the club, team and manager,” one fan wrote.
A banner was unfurled in the away end of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium denouncing Marcus Rashford
SKY
Another supporter stated: “The Manchester United I love would never run a banner on our own. Despicable.”
“That Marcus Rashford banner is incredibly poor taste. The lad bleeds United. No need,” added a third fan.
Another questioned: “Excuses for what??? What excuses did he say in that interview?”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Ruben Amorim has explained Marcus Rashford’s absence from his squad to face Tottenham
Reuters
The banner appears to reference a notorious moment in United’s history, echoing the “Ta ra Fergie” banner from 1989 which called for Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure after three years in charge.
Despite the controversy, Amorim emphasised Rashford’s importance to the club.
“We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past,” said Amorim.
“This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours