Marcus Rashford releases cryptic Instagram statement in build-up to Man Utd vs Southampton after his future takes new twist

Marcus Rashford has released a statement on social media after being contacted by a tabloid over a photo just hours before Manchester United's game against Southampton.

Man United, who eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup in their last outing, resume their Premier League campaign tonight when they host Southampton.

And ahead of kick-off, Rashford has taken to social media to release a statement, claiming he has been contacted by a tabloid over a photo of him and a 'rapper', which plans to be published.

Marcus Rashford released a statement ahead of Manchester United's game against Southampton. Image: Getty

Once again, Rashford has been omitted from Ruben Amorim's matchday squad against the Saints.

He has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with a move away from Old Trafford thought to be on the cards this month.

AC Milan have emerged as the favourites to sign him but a new report claims Borussia Dortmund are 'now pushing' to sign the Red Devils star.

Rashford hasn't played for Man United since his Europa League showing against Viktoria Plzen last month.

He was subsequently left out of the matchday squad for four matches before returning to the fold against Newcastle United.

The 27-year-old has since missed Man United's fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal.

They played out a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield before beating Arsenal on penalties to secure a spot in the next round of the FA Cup.

Man United will be aiming to win their first league game since December 15 when they play Southampton.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Amorim refused to answer questions about Rashford's future, saying: "I just want to win tomorrow. My focus is to win tomorrow, I will choose the players that I think are best to win the game tomorrow. I am just focused on that.

"Of course you feel the pressure of the club but in this moment, I don’t feel that pressure. In the last years we haven’t won the league. In the past here, if you didn’t win the league one year you would have to win it the next.

"To feel that pressure in the future, we need to win. We need to win titles and we need to win games. When you have the pressure to win, that is the pressure we want.

"Against Arsenal and Liverpool, nobody was expecting us to beat those teams but now we have to be prepared for that pressure, we need that pressure as a team and face the game the right way."