Jadon Sancho has stirred frustration among numerous Manchester United supporters with a brief message to Marcus Rashford following Rashford’s debut for Aston Villa on Sunday.
Rashford, who faced difficulties at Old Trafford after losing favor with manager Ruben Amorim, finalized his move to Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season last month.
The 27-year-old, whose transfer to the Midlands team may become permanent in the upcoming summer, marked his return by appearing as a substitute in Villa’s FA Cup fourth-round win against Premier League rivals Tottenham.
Delighted to see his former team-mate make a fresh start away from Old Trafford, fellow former Red Devils exile Sancho took to social media on Sunday to show his support for Rashford, who published a series of photos on Instagram.
‘Freedom,’ the now Chelsea loanee wrote, accompanying his post with a blessing and raised hands emoji.
Sancho, who like Rashford is still officially under contract at Manchester United, endured a similarly challenging period at Old Trafford under former Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.
Jadon Sancho (right) delivered a one-word message to former Manchester United team-mate Marcus Rashford (left) after the forward made his debut at Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Sunday
Rashford posted a series of photos on social media, to which Sancho commented: ‘Freedom’
Rashford made his debut for Villa during their 2-1 victory over Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round
The former England international was frozen out after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag for effectively branding the manager a liar over why he was excluded from a matchday squad to face Arsenal back in 2023.
His rift with the Dutch manager, who had publicly criticised Sancho’s training habits at Manchester United, lasted over a year and led to Sancho’s exit from Old Trafford, first to Borussia Dortmund on loan and then Chelsea.
The now-Chelsea star’s comment infuriated several United fans, who were quick to reply under the striker’s post.
One wrote: ‘Can’t work hard for united but you can for villa. Leave us ASAP.
Hinting at Rashford’s exit from Old Trafford in a sarcastic manner, another added: ‘Bad attitude = freedom.
A third supporter said: ‘What the flop you guys are’
One added: ‘Y’all should form lazy bros fc’
Another fan wrote: ‘Freedom from Hardwork….. Sancho, same with you.’
Sancho, now at Chelsea (above) on loan, was frozen out at United prior to his acrimonious exit
Similarly, Rashford fell out of favour and was exiled by Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
Sancho’s one-word message at Rashford infuriated several Manchester United supporters
Plenty of similarities can be drawn between the departures of both Rashford and Sancho, who each went from superstar to out-of-favour exile at the club.
While Sancho joined the Red Devils for a hefty fee of £73million back in 2021, Rashford came through the academy and quickly established himself as Manchester United’s star for the future.
Rashford enjoyed better times than Sancho in Manchester, scoring 138 goals for the club in total and netting an impressive 29 during the 2022-23 season before things turned sour.
The 27-year-old endured a torrid run of form last campaign which saw him fall further down the pecking order under Ten Hag – and he was subsequently axed from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2024 European Championships.
Rashford then fell out with Amorim shortly after his arrival at Old Trafford, before delivering bombshell news that he wished to leave his boyhood club at the start of January.
Ahead of his exit, the forward was frequently criticised by both fans and pundits for his attitude on and off the pitch, weighed down by the responsibility of being one of the Red Devils’ most senior players and highest earners.
Before his departure to Aston Villa, Amorim publicly questioned Rashford’s lifestyle and commitment and warned the star he must change if he were to have any hope of breaking back into his plans.
After his debut for Aston Villa, even though his previous game came 59 days earlier, Unai Emery expressed confidence in the Englishman’s abilities but admitted that regaining his best form might be challenging.
Amorim publicly questioned Rashford’s lifestyle and commitment just weeks after arriving
Rashford will stay on loan at Villa until the end of the season, when he could move permanently
Like many, Sancho is hoping Rashford can make a fresh start after his impressive Villa debut
Last week, the Spaniard said: ‘I am very happy with him. The conversations I’ve had were very normal, a player and coach speaking about football, and all I want from him is the best football.
‘As a person as well, he’s been introduced to the dressing room as one more player helping us. His potential is huge to exploit. I don’t want to know the reasons he is leaving Manchester United.
‘I am very happy keeping him here to try to help him recover his performances. His challenge with us exciting and mine is huge. The club worked well in the window.’
Rashford looked bright against Spurs on Sunday, touching the ball 22 times while delivering 13 passes with an accuracy of 93 per cent. Furthermore, he won three of five ground duels and one aerial duel.
After the game, he took to Instagram to send a nine-word message to his new supporters as he captioned the post with: ‘Thank you for the warm welcome. Great team performance’.
His side’s win at Villa Park saw them qualify for the last 16 of the FA Cup for the first time since 2015.
One of their Premier League opponents, Liverpool, saw an unexpected defeat to Plymouth. The draw for the fifth round will be made on Monday evening.
