MARCUS RASHFORD has confirmed the tragic passing of his cousin with a heartfelt message on social media.
The Manchester United forward, 26, scored from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
On Monday evening, he took to Instagram to share a picture of him looking up to the sky.
And he added the caption: “I would like to dedicate the goal yesterday to my cousin who recently passed away. GBNF 🕊️.”
Rashford received a host of heartfelt condolence messages in response to his post.
One said: “Sending you love Rashy ❤️.”
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Another added: “We are with you Rashy…much love… my condolences…❤️.”
A third replied: “We’re with you❤️🙏🏾.”
While a fourth responded: “With you every step of the way ❤️.”
Last year, Rashford scored two goals for England against Wales at the World Cup and dedicated them to his friend Garfield Hayward after he had died just days earlier.
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On Sunday, Rashford was handed the penalty by captain Bruno Fernandes – who is Man Utd’s regular taker.
The England man has struggled so far this season, scoring just one goal in 16 games heading into the Everton clash.
And Fernandes revealed after the match he gave Rashford the penalty because he has endured a difficult spell.
He said: “I felt Marcus needed confidence, needed his goal.
“Marcus is an excellent penalty taker too. I’m sure he could score that penalty.
“It’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring that penalty, and Marcus did it perfectly. Strikers, wingers, they want to score goals, they need to score goals.
“That’s part of the game, it gives you a boost. I think after the penalty, Marcus was unstoppable, he could take on everyone.
“I think sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity, to get your confidence back. He’s been great for us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
