Marcus Rashford response to Jadon Sancho speaks volumes after one-word Man Utd controversy

Marcus Rashford has shown solidarity with ex-Manchester United team-mate Jadon Sancho after the latter's difficult league debut for Aston Villa. Rashford is on loan at Barcelona having left Old Trafford in July.

He had endured a difficult start to life in Catalunya with some members of the Spanish pressclaiming the European powerhouses were going to try and cancel his loan, reports which were soon rejected by the club. After his brace in their 2-1 away victory over Newcastle United in the Champions League, it looked as if Rashford was beginning to settle.

Sancho, meanwhile, made his first Premier League appearance for Villa at the weekend. The duo have maintained their friendship from their time together at United and England, which have both had many difficult moments.

Last season, Sancho stirred up controversy among United fans when he announced Rashford was now 'free' after moving to Villa on loan. Rashford's stint at Villa Park rejuvenated the 27-year-old and his performances were enough to convince Barcelona to take a chance on him this season.

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Villa did not take up the option to sign him permanently, meaning Rashford and Sancho found themselves in the so-called Red Devils' 'Bomb Squad' after being deemed surplus to requirements by Ruben Amorim.

Sancho could have made a permanent move to Chelsea at the end of last season, but he returned to Old Trafford after failing to agree on wages with Enzo Maresca's team. It's rumoured the ex-Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund player reached out to Rashford about a potential move to Villa, who offered a glowing endorsement.

On Sunday, Sancho made his first appearance for Villa in the Premier League, but it didn't go as planned. Unai Emery's side couldn't overcome 10-man Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, drawing 1-1.

Reflecting on the recent match, Sancho uploaded a photo of him playing for Villa with the caption: "Unfortunate not to get the win over the weekend, head up and go again to make things right!"

Rashford was quick to show his support to his former team-mate, responding with a red heart emoji to the winger's message.

While Sancho is finding his feet at Villa Park, Rashford is experiencing ups and downs of his own. His brace in his Champions League debut for the club was a huge statement, particularly with Lamine Yamal currently nursing an injury.

He was then dropped for Barcelona's next match against Getafe by Hansi Flick after reporting late for a team meeting before the clash. He made up for his poor time-keeping by helping create their crucial third goal in a 3-0 victory.

Rashford has two goals and one assist in six appearances for Barcelona. He will be eying even more when his side travel to face Oviedo in their next match on Thursday, before they play host to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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