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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Freddie Keighley

Marcus Rashford celebration theory as Man Utd star mimicked twice on same night

Marcus Rashford has seen his celebration used by three different rival players in three days, with Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Newcastle's Joelinton the latest stars to copy the Manchester United forward.

Kimmich, 27, scored a 90th-minute equaliser in Tuesday's clash with Koln to ensure the Bundesliga leaders did not leave Allianz Arena empty-handed. The Germany international collected the ball from Dayot Upamecano and rifled home from nearly 30 yards out before putting his index finger to the side of his head.

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, Joelinton celebrated similarly - adding a flexed bicep with his other arm - after scoring against Southampton. The Brazilian midfielder, 26, netted the winner at St Mary's to put the Magpies in control of their EFL Cup semi-final.

Kimmich and Joelinton's celebrations appeared to be a clear nod to Rashford, who scored a brilliant goal in United's 3-2 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday and marked the strike in typical fashion. That was not the only time the finger to the temple was seen at Emirates Stadium, either, as Bukayo Saka copied the celebration after putting the hosts ahead early in the second half.

Rashford, 25, has not explained why he has been celebrating goals like this in recent weeks, but it has been an increasingly regular sight as he continues to find the back of the net at a prolific rate. The England international has scored five times in his last six Premier League appearances and has been one of the standout players in the top flight.

Joshua Kimmich appeared to mimic Marcus Rashford after scoring for Bayern Munich (Getty Images)

The boyhood Red Devil has earned widespread acclaim for his charitable work and activism in recent years, but he opened up on the struggles he has faced with his mental health last October. "I was struggling at times with more mental things," Rashford told Sky Sports.

"It wasn't really my own performance but other things off the pitch. That's the biggest difference from last season. Too often last season, I wasn't in the right headspace for games. I wasn't surprised by some of the stuff that was happening."

Has Marcus Rashford been the best player in the Premier League since Christmas? Have your say in the comments!

Joelinton added a flexed arm as he copied Marcus Rashford's celebration (Getty Images)

Rashford's brave reflection on the ups and downs of his mental health has given rise to a theory that his new celebration is simply a reminder to look after yourself. It is believed the first time he pointed to his head and stood still after scoring was at Molineux on New Year's Eve when he scored the winning goal to sink Wolves.

The Old Trafford faithful will be hoping to see plenty more of the celebration in the coming months. Rashford has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions this season while also chipping in with five assists.

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