'Keep your head up, Marcus, we're so proud of you'
Here at Manchester United, we are a family, and a massive number of our fans have been proudly supporting Marcus Rashford following his missed penalty for England in the Euro 2020 final shoot-out.
The homegrown hero was thrown into the action just moments before the spot-kicks with Italy and he bravely stepped up to take the Three Lions’ third spot-kick. Although he successfully sent Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way, his shot struck the outside of the post and bounced wide.
It takes tremendous guts to take a penalty under such pressure, when the entire nation is anxiously watching on, so we are proud that Marcus was brave enough to step up.
We posted a message of support for Rashford across social media on Sunday night, saying: “One kick won't define you as a player or person, Marcus. Remember that. We look forward to welcoming you home.”
A huge group of Reds on our official Facebook page were quick to share their own words of support…
One kick won’t define you as a player or person, Marcus. Remember that.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 11, 2021
❤️ We look forward to welcoming you home.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/DuSEJaQfo6
James Bartlett: “I always have love for this young man! Amazing role model for anyone, let alone other aspiring footballers. Win as a team, lose as a team, we had another 118 minutes to score a second goal and couldn’t, so it wasn’t mean to be!”
Jacob Safari: “No one is to blame. Penalties are always a 50-50 affair. Chin up Rashford, Sancho and Saka. Rashy has stood up at Man United when we needed him most. Y'all remember Paris against PSG? And many other times when we needed someone to stand up for our team? Well done Marcus, you'll come back stronger despite the disappointment.”
Barbara Fonianis: “Don't let this define you and ignore the haters. It's enough that you will carry this burden for a while yourself. You don't need to listen to everyone's negativity also. The coach took a risk, it didn't pay off. That's what sometimes happens. The fact you were given a chance says it all. Stay strong, stay positive and keep playing. You are still very young and have many years ahead of you. Learn from this and move on.”
Carl Lokko: “I saw Baggio miss a crucial penalty for Italy; and Socrates did the same for Brazil. Great players step up bravely and without fear to take penalty shots. Most often, they score. Once in a while, they miss. Marcus will not be defined by this penalty miss. Just a part of his journey as a great professional footballer.”
Ally Murray: “One of our own and every Red is proud of you Marcus! You’ve been playing for a year or more injured and you need a proper recovery. After that we look forward to having you back home again at OT! Head up kid!”
Firstly, congratulations @azzurri you guys deserved to win - the better team.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 12, 2021
This @England team has made us proud like no other team before them has,other than the 66 team.
Thank you for cheering us up.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be - you will come again 🙏🏽
All the boys who put themselves forward to take a pen we are proud of you - takes a form of bravery to step up in such pressurised situations. @BukayoSaka87 @Sanchooo10 @MarcusRashford we salute you boys
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 12, 2021
John Grindrod: “Fantastic player and an absolute professional that is laying down a legacy at United. Helping those in need while playing the game we love. We salute you, Marcus.”
Jean Michalski: “Sending love and support to Marcus. He is a great player and he has so much more to give to both club and country.”
Neil Proudman: “Proud of you and I look forward to everything you will achieve on and off the field - a good man who uses his position to help others. Be happy and be yourself.”
proud of the boys, keep your heads up 🙏🏾❤️
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) July 11, 2021
John Cho: You are one of us and we’ll shield and defend you from anything. Look ahead and stay strong son.”
Jade Jones: “You have inspired my little boy so much to become a footballer! The whole England team should be so proud of themselves! You’ve all done us proud! Keep your head up!”