Marcus Rashford was caught on camera seething after being substituted in Manchester United’s 0-0 draw against Aston Villa this afternoon. The Red Devils forward appeared to be unhappy about something, with eagle-eyed viewers spotting a three-word outburst before he took his place on the bench.
Erik ten Hag’s side were largely toothless in attack at Villa Park, failing to score for a third successive Premier League game in a run standing at 308 minutes.
Rashford looked the brightest, though, testing Emi Martinez with a couple of fierce long-range efforts as he hunted for his fifth goal of the season.
The 26-year-old received a yellow card on the hour mark and was fortunate to escape a second for a foul on Leon Bailey shortly afterwards.
Referee Rob Jones had been the subject of stick from United’s players throughout the match after he booked Christian Eriksen, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo but didn’t any of the Villa team.
And Rashford may have been ranting about Jones after Ten Hag hauled him off in the moments following his lucky escape, bringing on Antony in his place.
The United No. 10 was caught on camera saying what some supporters believe was “he’s gone mad,” while others are convinced he shouted “it’s so bad.”
Rashford could have also been frustrated with his manager’s decision to take him off, United’s latest below-par display, or with his own performance in the West Midlands.
He is having a better time of things than last season, already halfway to matching his lowly tally of eight, but Ten Hag’s treatment has come under fire.
The Dutchman dropped Rashford to the bench at Crystal Palace after he scored three goals in two games against Southampton and Barnsley.
He claimed the decision was with rotation in mind, but it raised eyebrows given his public backing of Rashford to rediscover his best form.
Ten Hag halted the England international’s momentum again at Porto on Thursday, withdrawing him at half-time in the 3-3 draw despite his dominant display on the left wing.
After full-time at Villa Park, the United boss insisted he was pleased with Rashford’s performance and brought him off due to the risk of a sending-off in a third consecutive game.
“We create loads of chances in our seven games, but we have to step up. But also, we have to take into consideration that Hojlund is returning and not up to full speed,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“But also others have to step up. I’m very pleased with the performance of Rashy. Garnacho is already the whole season a threat. And Antony came in and was lively.”
He added: “Yes, [the red card risk] was one of the reasons to take him off. If it was another foul, probably, he would be sent off. We can’t take another risk.”
