The victory in the FA Cup on Saturday was an emotional moment for Marcus Rashford, causing him to shed tears of joy. He soon received warm congratulations from a friend he hadn’t seen in quite some time.
Previously marginalized at Manchester United, Jadon Sancho was one of the first to commend Rashford after Manchester United’s stunning 2-1 triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The match, held at Wembley Stadium, saw United clinch an unexpected victory against the Premier League champions.
The game was marked by early goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, both of which were instrumental in securing the win for United. Rashford played a crucial role in the match, starting from the kickoff and making significant contributions. Josko Gvardiol’s error allowed Garnacho to tap in the opening goal for United. Rashford then showcased his playmaking skills by delivering a remarkable 70-yard pass to Garnacho, who skillfully cut the ball back to Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes then set up Mainoo, who calmly slotted the ball past Stefan Ortega to double United’s lead.
Despite a late goal from Jeremy Doku, which brought the score to 2-1, Manchester City couldn’t muster enough momentum to overcome United’s lead. Pep Guardiola’s team struggled to break down United’s defense, and as the final whistle blew, United celebrated their 13th FA Cup victory.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations, Rashford was visibly moved. He engaged with the United fans, acknowledging their unwavering support as tears streamed down his face. Expressing his deep connection to the club, Rashford took to Instagram, posting, “People want to know what Man United means to me!”
In response, Jadon Sancho, who had been on loan at Borussia Dortmund after falling out of favor with United’s manager Erik ten Hag, commented, “Love you brother.” Sancho’s words highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two players despite the challenges they faced throughout the season.
Rashford’s season had been tumultuous, marked by a significant dip in form and speculation about his future at Old Trafford. Despite securing a lucrative new five-year contract the previous summer, his goal-scoring drought raised questions about his place in the team. In January, he faced internal disciplinary action after reporting sick for training following an unauthorized trip to Belfast, further fueling doubts about his commitment to the club.
However, Rashford has always been deeply rooted in Manchester United, having joined the club’s youth academy at the tender age of seven. His emotional response after the FA Cup victory served as a poignant reminder of his dedication to the team. He sought to silence his critics and reaffirm his loyalty to the club he has called home for most of his life.
Earlier in the week, Rashford faced another setback when he was omitted from England’s preliminary squad for the upcoming European Championships. Despite these challenges, his performance in the FA Cup final and the heartfelt support from fans and teammates alike underscored his enduring importance to Manchester United.