Marcus Rashford has recently captured the hearts of fans not only with his incredible performances on the football field but also with his adorable companion, a cute Can Corso dog, called Saint.

The footballer has been sharing glimpses of his furry friend on social media, showcasing the deep bond between them and how the pet helps him unwind after stressful matches.

Rashford, known for his philanthropic efforts off the pitch, has often spoken about the importance of self-care and mental well-being. His Can Corso dog, with its gentle and affectionate nature, has become a source of solace and relaxation for him. The dog’s presence provides Rashford with a much-needed respite from the pressures of professional football.

However, the picture has alarmed animal welfare experts, and not just because of the United top the pooch has been forced into.

The dog, a Can Corso from Russia, has clearly had its ears cropped, according to campaigners, an illegal practice in the UK and Ireland.

Permitting a forbidden operation to be performed on a protected animal is against the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Section 5.

The practice is still permitted in a number of nations, though, and it is not illegal to bring a dog into the nation that has been docked or cropped elsewhere.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: ‘The RSPCA is opposed to ear cropping, a process where ears are removed or surgically altered, often for the purposes of appearance

‘Ear cropping is painful, wholly unnecessary and illegal to carry out in England and Wales. It does not benefit the dog in any way and can be detrimental to their health, behaviour and welfare. We do not believe animals should be mutilated for cosmetic purposes.

‘Unfortunately, we suspect that ear cropping does take place within England and Wales — although it’s illegal under Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 — while some dogs are imported from abroad with cropped ears.

‘We would urge people not to buy a dog with cropped ears as it will have undergone this very painful process.’

Rashford, who sat out United’s 1-0 defeat by Newcastle on Sunday, bought his pup from Chaperone K9, a family run business in Leicestershire that specialise in providing personal and family protection dogs.

Company director Richard Douglas confirmed his company do not crop dogs in the UK, adding: ‘The RSPCA should no better than anyone that there are no companies in the UK that promote or carry out cropping or docking.

‘There are countries where it is still a legal process and dogs can come in from America, and Russia or Hungary. People can buy them in from abroad.’

Saint is the latest dog to join the United family, following the arrivals of Atom and Humber with Alexis Sanchez’s move to Old Trafford.