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Marcus Rashford released a clarification after appearing to overlook Manchester United in his message of thanks to Unai Emery and Hansi Flick, following his selection in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.

Calling his return to the national team a “full-circle moment,” Rashford described his recall as the culmination of a challenging period in his career. The forward expressed gratitude to Emery and Flick for their support in helping him rediscover top form, but his message did not include any mention of Manchester United.

Reflecting on his England comeback after a tough spell, Rashford said he was thrilled to be named in England’s 2026 World Cup squad. The striker had been omitted from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and faced doubts about his international future before regaining form with a loan move to Barcelona from United.

He credited his experiences during the past season for shaping his growth both on and off the pitch. Rashford spent the latter half of the 2024–25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, scoring four goals in 17 appearances, before joining Barcelona for the summer, where he registered 14 goals and 14 assists to earn his recall to the national team.

After the squad announcement, Rashford took to social media to express his joy and appreciation. He described how missing out on Euro 2024 had motivated him to bounce back stronger. While he thanked Aston Villa, Barcelona, and their respective managers Unai Emery and Hansi Flick, fans noticed that Manchester United was not mentioned, highlighting his strained relationship with the club before his departure.

“Today feels like a full-circle moment for me, from despair to elation,” Rashford wrote. “Missing out on the 2024 Euros helped me grow as both a player and a person, and more importantly, gave me a goal to strive towards. Thank you for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to wear the England shirt at the World Cup.”

He further added, “Special thanks to Unai, Hansi, Thomas, Aston Villa, Barcelona, and England for believing in me when things were difficult.”

Following the reactions to his post, Rashford issued a clarification, saying, “Just to make my story clear – it’s not a dig at anyone! I’m still a Manchester United supporter, and that hasn’t changed.”

He continued, “I was simply expressing gratitude to the clubs and coaches I’ve worked with over the past 18 months. They’ve played a major part in helping me earn this England call-up.”

Thomas Tuchel, leading England into his first major tournament, included Rashford in a refreshed squad that also featured several surprise omissions. Big names like Harry Maguire, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold were left out of the final 26-man selection, signalling a new direction for the Three Lions under Tuchel.

As preparations begin for the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel will look to establish his tactical system and leadership structure within the squad. Rashford’s resurgence adds valuable experience and attacking depth alongside captain Harry Kane. England open their campaign against Croatia on June 17, followed by group-stage fixtures against Ghana and Panama.