Marcus Rashford was seen watching Manchester United at Old Trafford from the stands as speculation swirls surrounding his future.
Taking to Instagram, Rashford posted his view of proceedings, accompanied by the caption ‘Come on the boys’.
As Rashford took in the 2-1 Europa League draw from his seat, head coach Ruben Amorim opted to have three empty spaces on the bench rather than selecting the wantaway star.
Former Man United defender Rio Ferdinand suggested that this move by the head coach hinted that the club were keen for the player to move on.
‘I think that’s (him being left out) an indication of what the club want to happen,’ Ferdinand said at full-time on TNT Sport. ‘I think they want to get him out.
‘I think he needs to go to a new club, a new situation, a new environment, for him. I think it’s best for both parties, himself and for Manchester United in that sense.
Marcus Rashford was seen watching Manchester United at Old Trafford from the stands
Marcus Rashford’s representatives have held further talks with Barcelona officials in Lisbon
Rio Ferdinand suggestion that the reason for Rashford’s freezing out of the squad is because the club are at peace with a possible move
‘He’s a player that when he burst onto the scene and was scoring goals, I used to always remember him smiling, looking like a young kid that can’t believe he’s here, living the dream.
‘I’ve not seen that face, I’ve not seen those emotions for a long time. For far too long. And I want to see players happy.
‘I don’t think he’s enjoyed his football while he’s been here the last few years, so I think it would be best for everybody for him to go somewhere else. I think people behind the scenes that can make those decisions are trying their best to do that.
Rashford’s post comes as he trained with the United squad at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of the Red Devils’ European clash.
He was seen smiling during group exercises, with other pictures demonstrating his focus on the session.
Among the club with a rolling interest in the player are Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, with Rashford’s representatives speaking to Barcelona director Deco on Tuesday.
However, Dortmund is looking an increasingly unlikely destination for the wantaway Manchester United forward, with the German club having been priced out of being able to secure his services.
They were one of the clubs in talks with the player’s team but his £350,000-per-week wages have all but ruled the German side out of the running for his signature, even on a short-term basis.
Rashford’s Instagram post comes as he trained with his Manchester United at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of the Red Devils’ Europa League match at home to Rangers
The side had been leading contenders to land the forward after they made a concerted effort to convince him, with Sebastian Kehl and Sven Mislintat believing he could have same impact as Jadon Sancho last season.
United wanted a deal structured same way with loan fee and performance related bonuses.
The situation at Dortmund is further complicated by the sacking of head coach Nuri Sahin following the side’s defeat by Bologna in the Champions League on Tuesday night – their fourth loss in a row.
The deal could still be revisited in final throes of window if cost comes down. Dortmund are also interested in Brentford’s Kevin Schade but he is valued at £45million.
Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Barca have held meetings with Rashford’s entourage, with several European clubs tracking the forward.
Rashford admitted in December that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’ away from Man United, sparking a scramble for his signature.
Barcelona are understood to have always been Rashford’s preference but given his £350,000-per-week wages, they would need to negotiate over the financial burden of a loan deal.
And further talks have now taken place between Rashford’s representatives and officials from the Catalan club, which included sporting director Deco.
The talks were held in Lisbon, with Barcelona in Champions League action in the Portuguese city on Tuesday night against Benfica.