Marcus Rashford makes awkward mistake in goodbye message to David de Gea

Marcus Rashford made an unfortunate error when he [or his social media team] posted a goodbye message to David de Gea.

It was confirmed on Friday that the Spanish goalkeeper has officially left Manchester United following a 12-year spell at the club.

After failing to agree terms on a new contract, the 32-year-old former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper will now undertake a new challenge and "push myself again in new surroundings."

De Gea, who lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League during his stay, penned an emotional farewell message to United fans on his social media channels.

"I would like to express my unwavering gratitude and appreciation for the love from the last 12 years," he said.

"We’ve achieved a lot since my dear Sir Alex Ferguson brought me to this club. I took incredible pride everytime I pulled on this shirt, to lead the team, to represent this institution, the biggest club in the world was an honour only bestows upon a few lucky footballers."

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Many teammates, past and present, would wish De Gea well, including Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Fred and Juan Mata.

But it was Rashford's post that would pick up the most traction; although it was for all the wrong reasons.

As you can see from the screenshot below, a picture of the pair embracing was posted to his Instagram account alongside the message: "Caption ideas: You were here from my breakthrough, good luck with your next step brother".

We know players tend not to run their social media accounts but plenty on fans picked up on the error, with the post soon going viral on Twitter.

One fan commented: "Iconic player for your team. You have been playing for years with him. Can't even find your own sentence to write from your mind and heart. That is very sad but hilarious."

A second wrote: "This is why I don’t believe anything footballers write about other team members on their socials."

A third said: "Equally the attitude towards Marcus Rashford after his team’s social media blunder is dramatically over-the-top. It is commonplace and arguably preferable for a footballer to have external social media management. These things happen, it’s a stupid mistake but nothing more."

A fourth added: "Rashford is on holiday in Ibiza do you really think he's posting on social media."

United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, was praised by many for his parting message to De Gea, who made 545 appearances for the Reds.

"You will always be a legend at this football club," he said. "You know what I think about you and how much I will miss you bro. You deserved to say goodbye at the stadium with all the fans cheering you for all the beautiful memories."

Fernandes added: "You made history at the club and your name will never be forgotten, and no one can take that away from you. All the best for what's coming for you and your family."

The Portuguese playmaker is expected to be named United captain ahead of the new campaign, according to The Sun, even if Harry Maguire stays.

Thoughts on the parting messages to De Gea? Let us know in the comments.