Eagle-eyed fans spotted Marcus Rashford in the stands at Villa Park for the FA Youth Cup semi-final on Monday evening.
Wearing a hoodie up and sitting back in his seat, Rashford came into shot on a video shot by a supporter at the end of the game.
The forward, on loan from Manchester United at Villa, watched the youngsters for his parent club and loan side go toe-to-toe.
He kept a low profile but could be seen making a swift exit seconds after United suffered defeat on penalties.
While others around him stood up to applaud the victory for the hosts, Rashford, a boyhood United fan, opted to slip away.
On a night where Sir Alex Ferguson also watched on in the stadium, it was ultimately a disappointing ending for the visitors.
Villa made a dream start through Trai-Varn Mulley in the fourth minute before United pulled one back when James Scanlon converted from close range.
Neither side could find a winner and spot kicks decided the contest, with United scoring just one of their four.
The final is back at Villa Park on April 10 and either Man City or Watford will be lining up against the midlands outfit.
Rashford, meanwhile, is finding some form again on loan, scoring twice for Villa in their FA Cup win over Preston at the weekend.
Having started for England under Thomas Tuchel in the recent World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania, momentum is building for the 27-year-old.
He is likely to play a key role for Unai Emery's men in the Champions League and push to finish in the top five this season.
But it remains to be seen whether the club will take up the option of buying him this summer or if Ruben Amorim views him as part of his plans.
The manager was coy on the subject when asked about it on Monday.
He said: 'We have a lot of games to play and I am focused on my team and my players and Marcus is not my player at the moment.
‘But every player that performs well on loan is good news for my club so I am happy with that.’
Rashford's next outing will be on Wednesday night when Villa take on Brighton and they could move up to sixth with a win, leapfrogging the Seagulls in the process.