Marcus Rashford supported by Man Utd team-mates after timely message before Leeds fixture

Shortly before Manchester United faces Leeds United in their first pre-season friendly in Stockholm, Marcus Rashford took to social media. Rather curious timing, you might say.

Rashford is not part of the 29-man United squad in Sweden for the fixture. The England international, back with the club after falling out with Ruben Amorim and spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, is one of five senior stars who make up part of the so-called 'bomb squad'.

He and the other four - Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia - have all been told they won't train with the first team as they explore opportunities to leave Old Trafford. The fivesome are able to use the club's Carrington training ground, but have been asked to do so when the first-team and head coach Amorim have headed home.

Rashford is keen to find a move abroad. Barcelona is his preference.

And he has been very keen in recent weeks to share images on social media of himself putting in the hard graft in the gym. His latest, on Saturday shortly before the Leeds fixture, was simply entitled: "The lab".

READ MORE: Manchester United striker leaves on season-long loan deal after goal struggles

READ MORE: Man Utd agreed summer transfer before club blocked deal: 'Everything was done'

It marks the third such upload featuring clips of Rashford's workout regime since the beginning of last week. Several United teammates have responded to these posts - and the latest was no different.

Antony, Diogo Dalot, Ethan Wheatley, Godwill Kikonki, Joe Hugill and Joshua Zirkzee all gave the latest upload a like.

Antony, like Rashford, has been omitted from the squad to take on Leeds. The same applies to Ethan Wheatley and Joshua Zirkzee.

United say Zirkzee, the £34million summer signing 12 months ago, is dealing with a "small issue".

Several of the club's former players have also shown Rashford their support. They include Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri and Jesse Lingard.

Andre Onana, Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho, Lisandro Martinez, Matheus Cunha, Matthijs de Ligt and Rasmus Hojlund have liked previous posts too.

Rashford has been sharing clips of his off-season training, including sprints and padel sessions. "The work don't stop! Let's go," he wrote alongside a video on the track.

A more recent post declared: "Putting in the work with family and friends before the serious stuff starts back up."

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.