Man Utd fans think they’ve worked out Marcus Rashford’s damning three-word message after being subbed during Aston Villa draw

 

Rashford was substituted shortly after the hour mark in United’s 0-0 draw at Villa.

Manchester United fans think they have worked out what Marcus Rashford said after being substituted against Aston Villa.

United drew 0-0 at Villa Park in a game that was short of genuine chances at goal.

Rashford was taken off by manager Erik ten Hag shortly after he was booked by referee Rob Jones on the hour mark.

After he was taken off, he appeared to look over towards the referee before speaking to the United coaching staff in the row below him.

And while it is not explicitly clear who Rashford was referring to, United fans think he said of the official: “He’s gone mad.”

 

Rashford appeared to be aggrieved at being shown the yellow card by Jones, although was perhaps fortunate to avoid a second yellow card minutes later.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag confirmed that was a key reason as to why the United star was withdrawn early.

“Yeah, that’s one of the reasons he came off,” he began. “Another foul and he probably would have been sent off. We couldn’t take that risk.”

United did finish the game with 11 players – despite five of their players being booked – and had a late chance to win the game when Alejandro Garnacho broke clear.

 

Marcus Rashford receives instructions from manager Erik ten Hag during Man Utd's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa - Getty
Marcus Rashford receives instructions from manager Erik ten Hag during Man Utd’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa – Getty

But the Argentinian failed to find Rasmus Hojlund, instead hitting his pass at a Villa defender.

The result has temporarily eased the pressure on Ten Hag, though The Athletic reported that United were taking a ‘long-term view’ over his future regardless of the result.

His position as manager has come under growing scrutiny in recent weeks, with United having now picked up just seven points from their opening seven Premier League matches this season.

Games against Porto and Villa were slated to be potentially pivotal, but Harry Maguire rescued a late 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League – despite United being 2-0 up – before the point at Villa.