Former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has sent a one-word message to Marcus Rashford following his debut for Aston Villa on Sunday.
The 27-year-old played his first game since mid-December after falling out of favour under the Red Devils' manager Ruben Amorim.
The United academy product saw his exit from Old Trafford via a six-month loan move in an attempt to get a fresh start at Villa Park.
On Sunday, in the fourth-round tie against Tottenham, Rashford made his debut off the bench in the first game after his arrival.
He replaced another Villa newcomer Donyel Mallen, moments after Morgan Rodgers scored the second goal in the 65th minute.
Following his highly anticipated appearance, Rashford published a series of photos on Instagram, which were later commented on by his former team-mate Sancho with: 'Freedom,' accompanied by blessing and celebration emojis.
However, the Chelsea star's comment appears to infuriate several United fans, who were quick to reply under the striker's post.
One wrote: 'Can't work hard for united but you can for villa. Leave us ASAP,' while another added: 'Bad attitude = freedom,' hinting at Rashford's exit from Old Trafford in a sarcastic way.
A supporter said: 'What the flop you guys are'
One added: 'Y'all should form lazy bros fc'
Another fan wrote: 'Freedom from Hardwork.....Sancho, same with you'
Even though his previous game came 59 days earlier, Villa boss Unai Emery expressed confidence in the Englishman's abilities but admitted that regaining his best form might be challenging.
Last week, the Spaniard said: ‘I am very happy with him. The conversations I’ve had were very normal, a player and coach speaking about football, and all I want from him is the best football.
‘As a person as well, he’s been introduced to the dressing room as one more player helping us. His potential is huge to exploit. I don’t want to know the reasons he is leaving Manchester United.
‘I am very happy keeping him here to try to help him recover his performances. His challenge with us exciting and mine is huge. The club worked well in the window.'
Rashford's former team-mate in United and England, Sancho, also left Old Trafford last summer to revive his career at another club after being left out of several games.
However, the Villa newcomer looked bright against Spurs on Sunday, touching the ball 22 times while delivering 13 passes with an accuracy of 93 per cent. Furthermore, he won three of five ground duels and one aerial duel.
After the game, he took to Instagram to send a nine-word message to his new supporters as he captioned the post with: 'Thank you for the warm welcome. Great team performance'.
His side's win at Villa Park saw them qualify for the last 16 of the FA Cup for the first time since 2015.
One of their Premier League opponents, Liverpool, saw an unexpected defeat to Plymouth. The draw for the fifth round will be made on Monday evening.
Olilatonny95
82
The only best things Ten Hag did was too win two trophies and remove Sancho from United
PrincePowell
66
signing for Man utd is like giving your soul to the devil 👿, because it must surely destroy you 🤣🤣🤣
Lipbilmnru
44
Its not a surprise everyone gets better when they leave utd🤣
zutbklnsuy
36
Gone are the days of regret. Sancho was a BIG flop at OT. Hard work always pays, look at Maguire & will get to know some hard facts about attitude & royalty.
Sam81468
17
Even if United are RELEGATED, leaving United to Aston Villa or Chelsea is a huge DOWNGRADE, whether you like it or not, it’s a FACT. So this is not a freedom, it’s an escape from pressure of the biggest club in England.
Aifive
11
Manchester United will regret it