“There's a completely different energy around the club"
Marcus Rashford’s new goal celebration is the latest viral footballer celebration. But what does it mean?
The forward is having a strong campaign at Manchester United after rediscovering his shooting touch.
While he is scoring frequently, his goal celebration has attracted attention.
It involves him pointing to the side of his head and occasionally closing his eyes.
Rashford’s most recent goal, an incredible solo effort in a 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, has placed United firmly on track to play in the Wembley final.
In recent weeks, the football world has been talking about his celebration as well as his goals.
So, why exactly does Rashford point to his head after scoring a goal for Manchester United?
In October 2022, Rashford explained that he had been struggling with his mental health during the 2021/2022 season.
It has been speculated that the celebration may be a reference to his recent battles.
Rashford could be highlighting the more composed state of mind he’s now achieved.
Shortly after the appointment of Erik ten Hag, Marcus Rashford explained the difference between the previous season and the current one.
He said: “There’s a completely different energy around the club and the training ground.
“That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That’s the area I was struggling in.
“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.
“I get that it’s your job to speak about what happens on the pitch but for the players, we have to get into the right headspace for every game.
“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.”
The viral celebration has seen other sports stars follow suit.
On January 22, 2023, after scoring for Arsenal against Manchester United, Rashford’s England colleague Bukayo Saka reenacted the same goal celebration.
Cricketer Jofra Archer imitated Rashford’s celebration after getting a wicket in the brand-new SA20 league in South Africa.
After seeing a decline in form over recent years, the academy graduate has scored 18 goals across all competitions and appears to be back in top form.
Rashford was a standout for England at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring three goals to help the team reach the quarterfinals.
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