Marcus Rashford forced to release statement addressing controversial post minutes after England call-up

Hot off an England call-up that might have seemed improbable two years ago when he was left out of Southgate's final Euros squad, Marcus Rashford has now come out to defend a statement he released, which looked to snub Manchester United.

Rashford has managed 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 games at the Spanish club, helping them on the way to a La Liga trophy.

This came after a six-month loan at Aston Villa, where Champions League performances against Real Madrid reminded everyone, including the new England manager, what he's all about.

Now, after a successful stint at FC Barcelona, he has been recalled to the tournament-level international squad earlier today.

But shortly after the announcement, Rashford released a statement that supports Manchester United, after an earlier celebratory post that seemingly snubbed his parent club.

Rashford claims social media post is 'not a dig'

Moments after making the World Cup squad, two years in the making after his misery in 2024, Marcus Rashford proceeded to thank those who helped him on his journey.

Namely, Hansi Flick, Unai Emery, and Thomas Tuchel, and the Villa, Barcelona, and England setups, evidently omitting any mention of his former club.

But after many people assumed this was a dig at Manchester United, with no mention of Ruben Amorim, for example, Rashford has now defended his boyhood club.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rashford wrote, "To make my IG story clear. It's not a dig of any sort! I'm a MU supporter, and that remains.

"I was showing gratitude to the clubs and coaches that I have worked with over the past 18 months.

"They have played a big role in this [England] call-up."

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Rashford remains at Barcelona as the Spanish club complete their final fixture after securing the La Liga title.

Rounding off a one-year loan in style, the 28-year-old could now have his £26 million option to buy clause triggered, which would finally complete a move away from Manchester United.

If not, the estranged winger would return to a United set-up flush with attacking talent and have to fight his way back into the fans' hearts.