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Marcus Rashford notably excluded his current club Manchester United while expressing gratitude on social media to those who “believed in me when things got tough”, following confirmation of his selection for the upcoming World Cup.

The 28-year-old forward has recorded eight goals and seven assists during his loan spell with La Liga champions Barcelona. The Catalan side was among the individuals and clubs mentioned in his message shared earlier today.

Rashford featured in 24 matches for United before Erik ten Hag was replaced by Ruben Amorim during the campaign. He managed four goals and one assist prior to being loaned to Aston Villa in February, having failed to secure a consistent first-team role under the new manager.

Although Rashford has voiced his wish to continue playing in Catalonia beyond the 2025/26 season, his latest post suggests that his relationship with Manchester United may now be irreparably strained.

He wrote: “Special thanks to Unai, Hansi, Thomas, Aston Villa, Barcelona & England for believing in me when things got tough.”

The message referred to current Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick and England manager Thomas Tuchel, both of whom have included him in their plans, along with Aston Villa boss Unai Emery. Rashford’s inclusion in England’s 26-man World Cup squad this summer was a key highlight of the announcement.

His loan tenure in Spain has been largely positive. Starting in 17 matches, Rashford helped Barcelona secure the La Liga title and has shown little inclination to return to Old Trafford, even after Michael Carrick’s appointment as United’s permanent manager.

As reported by Spanish outlet Sport, Carrick has been impressed by Rashford’s performances at Barcelona and believes there is still a potential path back for the forward at Manchester United.

Sport stated: “A potential departure of Carrick could have impacted Marcus Rashford’s future. The English manager has been one of the striker’s strongest backers in recent months and has never dismissed the idea of his return to Old Trafford.

“Carrick believes Rashford can still play an important role for United and has publicly maintained that no final decision has been reached regarding his status. His position is significant because there is currently no unified stance within the club concerning the English striker.

“While certain members of the sporting department advocate for a new era and see a summer sale as a priority due to his sizeable wages, Carrick remains convinced that Rashford can rediscover his top form in Manchester.”

Uncertainty also surrounds whether Barcelona will activate their £26 million purchase option in his loan deal. The Spanish champions have yet to make a final decision on his long-term future.

Should Rashford return to his boyhood club, this latest episode signals that the England international is unlikely to remain at Old Trafford by choice, even with the lure of UEFA Champions League football next season.