Rashford sends three-word message to Man United team-mates ahead of UEL final

Marcus Rashford has sent a three-word message of good luck to his Manchester United team-mates ahead of the Europa League final.

United's season rests on the final, which will be contested against fellow Premier League side Tottenham on Wednesday night in Bilbao.

They are 16th in the Premier League after a dismal domestic season under Ruben Amorim, but they have enjoyed more success on the European stage and could yet finish it with a trophy in a matter of hours.

Winning the competition would earn them a spot in next season's Champions League, too, meaning it is a big night in terms of next year as well as the current season.

Rashford, meanwhile, won't be a part of it. The England forward left the club on loan in January after falling out of favour and drawing criticism from Amorim, then spending the rest of the campaign temporarily at Aston Villa.

Rashford has, though, taken the time to wish his permanent side well - via a message on social media.

'Good luck guys,' Rashford posted on Instagram, accompanied by a star emoji.

Villa signed Rashford on loan for the rest of the season and can make the deal permanent for £40million when it runs out at the end of next month. But it's understood there is nothing to stop other clubs buying him for the same price if United and the player agree to the move.

Rashford is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, and as it stands is planning to return to Carrington for pre-season training at the start of July.

However, it seems unlikely that he will play for United again while Amorim remains as head coach, and a move away from his boyhood club would be in the best interests of all parties.

If United don't take the 27-year-old back, they will have to find a club that can afford his £315,000-a-week wages.

Rashford has played his last game on loan at Villa after it was confirmed that the hamstring injury that has caused him to miss the last three matches will also keep him out of Friday's game against Tottenham. He is ineligible for the final game of the season away to United at Old Trafford.

'The talent of Rashford, the talent of Antony, all these players, they have to put that on the team,' Amorim said of the star last month. 'So we are really happy because if you put a player on loan, the best thing for us is for them to perform - and they are performing.'

Before his move, however, Amorim publicly questioned the superstar's application in training and declared he would have to drastically change his attitude to be brought back in from the cold.