Ahead of the fixture, the viral imitation of Rashford excited fans and Ten Hag

It's Europa League night once more, as the club return to action to begin the knockout stages of the competition. Manchester United drew FC Barcelona after falling short to Real Sociedad by a single goal difference in the group stage to earn the top spot.

While the club's progress has been fully led by the tactical genius of Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United has had to rely major on Marcus Rashford to keep providing goal contributions for the team. The England striker has had the most drastic rise in form his season, creating several match-winning months.

Marcus Rashford hit his 20th goal of the season against Leeds United at the past weekend league fixture and moving him to 12 goals in the EPL already this season as he continues to score freely. Ten Hag recently revealed that they set a 20-goal season target, which he has already equaled with several months still to go.

But asides from his goals since the restart of club football last December, it is his celebration that has received both praise and controversies as he has become closely associated with the 26-year-old top striker. Rashford formerly celebrates with one of his fingers pointed to the side of his head.

Who recently imitated Rashford?

In the much anticipated Premier League fixture between United's rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, the Citizens striker Erling Haaland did the Rashford celebrations as he celebrated his goal against Arsenal which was City's third. United fans have wholeheartedly defended Rashford as the creator of the celebration which has been done by numerous stars both in and around football. Ten Hag believes that Rashford's performance on the pitch is helping him build up more influence around the game.