FANS are convinced that wantaway Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has dropped a major social media hint about his preferred next destination.
The Spanish press were quick to jump on Rashford’s online activity after the England winger commented on Lamine Yamal’s Instagram post.
Rashford dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he admitted that he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the 20-man squad for the Manchester derby win at the Etihad on Sunday.
The shock omission came amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim seemed to play down Rashford’s comments at his press conference on Wednesday and insisted Man Utd are “better with” the England international.
Barcelona are one of five clubs closely linked with a move for Rashford.
And the 27-year-old’s latest social media activity has added fuel to the fire of a possible move to the Nou Camp.
Rashford left a fire emoji “” on Yamal’s post – which celebrated the Spanish star’s unveiling of the Golden Boy trophy to Barca fans on Sunday.
One excited fan wrote: “I am beginning to have this feeling that Rashford might end up becoming a Barcelona player.”
A second said: “Rashford to Barcelona pending….”
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While another added: “Crazy if we see Rashford wearing Blaugrana.”
A fourth replied: “I’ll take him at Barca if he wants to come.”
Barca and United could negotiate a swap deal involving Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, according to Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona.
Former United target De Jong has started only TWO matches in all competitions this term under Hansi Flick.
Ex-boss Erik ten Hag was keen on bringing the Dutchman to Old Trafford during his tenure and now Amorim believes that he could be an interesting addition to the midfield.
But Barca would not be able to afford Rashford’s staggering £350,000-a-week wage.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho was also left out of the squad for United‘s victory over Manchester City.
Rashford hailed his team-mates’ late comeback victory at neighbours City just minutes after Amad Diallo‘s 90th minute strike clinched a 2-1 win.
The striker posted “Yesssssssss! Love it lads” over a snap of Diallo and Lisandro Martinez celebrating.
Old Trafford legend Roy Keane reckoned the one-club man might now be better moving on amid question marks over his future.
If Rashford was to move on, the only serious chance of matching his salary would be at Paris St Germain.
Otherwise it would mean a hefty drop to his basic salary or heading for the footballing wilderness of Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Rashford is set to find out if he’s been selected for United’s quarter-final Carabao Cup trip to Tottenham on Thursday with Amorim revealing how he announces his team news to players.
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.
