Marcus Rashford breaks into tears after Man Utd win FA Cup with future uncertain

Marcus Rashford broke into tears on the Wembley pitch on Saturday afternoon after helping Manchester United stun Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The winger, who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad earlier in the week, was named in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up as the Red Devils clinched a 2-1 victory.

Rashford has endured a miserable campaign at Old Trafford and finished the season with just eight goals in all competitions.

The 26-year-old was dropped to the bench for his side’s final two Premier League matches of the campaign after missing the previous four league games. But he was recalled to the starting line-up for United’s Wembley showdown where he led the line.

Rashford was a menace throughout the game as he tried to get the Red Devils moving in the right direction. And the 13-time Premier League champions secured the silverware after Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo struck in the first half. Jeremy Doku hit one back for City to set up a nervy finale but United saw out victory.

The result clearly meant a lot to Rashford as he was overcome with emotion after the final whistle. And he was lauded for his performance by United hero Wayne Rooney who was a pundit for BBC Sport’s coverage of the final.

“Yeah he did [look sharp and cause City a lot of problems],” explained United’s highest scorer of all time. “He’s got a lot to prove as well, obviously, being left out of the European Championships.

“He’s come into this game today, starting it. He was always a threat and he worked hard, and it’s sometimes thrown at him that he doesn’t work hard. He’s an FA Cup winner again. So I’m pleased for him. I’m just delighted for these fans to celebrate on this stage.”

Rashford’s underwhelming form throughout the season saw him omitted from Southgate’s provisional Euros squad on Tuesday, with the player missing out despite being selected for the last four major international tournaments.

Rashford has bagged 17 goals in 60 appearances for England, including three at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but started just three of his country’s Euro 2024 qualifying games as Southgate’s side finished top of Group C above Italy and Ukraine. And he won’t be adding to his caps this summer.

Rashford’s club future is also up in the air, with Sky Sports reporting last month that he could be allowed to leave in the summer. The 26-year-old has failed to impress for the majority of the campaign and could be part of a summer clearout as new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to put his stamp on the north west outfit.