Rio Ferdinand makes bold Marcus Rashford claim as he reacts to Jadon Sancho's cryptic social media message

Rio Ferdinand has made a bold claim about Marcus Rashford as he has reacted to Jadon Sancho's cryptic social media message.

Rashford joined Aston Villa from Manchester United on loan until the end of the season and he made an instant impression on his debut.

He delivered an electric cameo after being introduced in the second-half as his new side beat Tottenham to secure a spot in the FA Cup fifth round.

Naturally, his outing, which was his first game since last December, got fans and critics alike talking as supporters have already made their minds up on him.

Former Man United teammate Jadon Sancho also reacted to his outing as he wrote a cryptic message on the star forward's social media post.

Ferdinand has since shared his views on Sancho's comment and seemingly agreed with the Chelsea winger before referencing a series of players who have left Old Trafford that have excelled at their new clubs.

He mentioned Antony, who signed for Real Betis, Scott McTominay, who moved to Napoli, and Anthony Elanga, who transferred to Nottingham Forest, before predicting Rashford to perform at Villa.

"You look at Antony, he’s got a man-of-the-match performance and a goal and assist in two games," he began.

"McTominay is playing like primetime Jude Bellingham at the moment. You’ve got Elanga, who’s a flying winger.

"You’ve got all these players that are leaving the club that are looking like new, dynamic footballers because the shackles are off, and the cloud and the pressure of Old Trafford, the badge, all that that brings, is allowing them to go, 'You know what, wow, what a difference that is'."

Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa. Image: Getty

Ferdinand added: "You’re probably going to see the same from Rashford. It’s about unlocking what has unlocked Old Trafford for these players to perform."

After a promising Villa debut, Rashford will be hoping for more game time when the Midlands outfit resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday against Ipswich Town.