MARCUS RASHFORD hailed Manchester United's late comeback win at neighbours City with an Instagram burst of joy - despite his shock axing.
The striker posted "Yesssssssss! Love it lads" as Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo clinched a 2-1 Prem victory in the last three minutes.
Champs City had led through Josko Gvardiol's header but defeat left them nine points off leaders Liverpool, while United rose to 12th.
Rashford's enthusiastic words were accompanied by a home photo from TV coverage of the match - in a cosy room decked with a Christmas tree.
The snap was of Lisandro Martinez and Diallo running back to the halfway line after the latter's winner, albeit both with their backs to the camera.
Fans loved Rashford's intervention - which followed new speculation over his future, after boss Ruben Amorim axed him.
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Old Trafford legend Roy Keane reckoned the one-club man, 27, might now be better moving on amid question marks over his future.
But United supporters on Instagram responded positively to Rashford's upbeat message online.
One said: "Love it Rashy! Now come back to training this week and fight to get your place back. We believe in you!"
Another wrote: "Rashyyyy you were missed but we won."
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Similar replies included: "See you soon Rashy" and "See you soon Marcus".
Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho had been totally omitted from United's squad.
Amorim insisted he was NOT sending out a message with his selection, stressing: "We try to evaluate everything..."
But ex-midfielder Keane told Sky Sports: "I feel probably a move for Marcus definitely would suit the player.
"He's been at the club a long time, a new challenge (would be good)."
"To leave them out of the squad is a big call but for those of us who have watched United recently it's not that big a surprise because both players have been poor."
Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its head
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport's Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players...
Andre Onana - 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez - 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire - 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78' - 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte - 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78' - 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s bets performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13' - 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90' – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez pass, he then clipped the ball past Edersonn and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78' - 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13' - 6
Did a solid job as he came on ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zrikzee 78' - 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78' - 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78' - 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90' - 6
No time to have any influence on the game.