As for Rashford’s fellow players, there was no shortage of them wanting to show solidarity and respect for their colleague after his raw expression of the emotions he was feeling – “I felt as if I’d let everyone down” – in the aftermath of the final.
United team-mate Bruno Fernandes, who played for Portugal in the earlier rounds of Euro 2020, tweeted: “You should only be proud of what you achieved in this tournament! Hold your head up high, bro! You’re an example for everyone on and off the pitch.”
You should only be proud of what you achieved in this tournament! Hold your head up high, bro! 🤜🤛
You’re an example for everyone on and off the pitch ️ https://t.co/rKjNuGBq1v
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) July 13, 2021
Bruno’s bolstering message followed supportive comments from other Reds including Paul Pogba – “the world of football is proud of you” – and David De Gea – ‘see you soon at home amigo” – as the game rallied around one of its favourite sons.
Meanwhile, Rashford’s Instagram post received a flood of heart emojis from United team-mates such as Diogo Dalot, Mason Greenwood, Dean Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, Alex Telles and Donny van de Beek. Eric Bailly added: “Big Rashi – head up, my little bro.”
