Premier League giants Manchester United have agreed a deal to send academy graduate Marcus Rashford on loan to Aston Villa.
The former England international has reportedly said his goodbyes to teammates as he prepares to make the switch to the fellow Premier League club.
The star has been seeking an exit from the squad after being omitted from the squad for fixtures throughout January, with manager Ruben Amorim stating that it is down to the player’s efforts in training. The player has also publicly stated that he is ready for a new challenge, whilst former teammate Wayne Rooney has stated in Gary Neville’s podcast that he advised the player to leave Old Trafford.
There have been several teams linked with a move, AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona have all been in some form of negotiation for the player. Rashford was understood to have favoured a move to the Spanish giants or remain at Old Trafford, but it would appear as though a compromise has been made for the rest of the 24/25 season.
Barcelona were forced to pull out of a potential deal due to their ongoing financial issues, as they battle with La Liga over the registration of Dani Olmo.
Aston Villa Replace Jhon Duran
Jhon Duran left the club for Al-Nassr earlier this month and the failure of Barcelona to get a deal over the line for Marcus Rashford has thrown the door open to the Villans.
Replacing their outgoing star, in the January transfer window after proving to be such a vital asset could have proved to be near impossible, especially with the huge money and competitive nature of the current market for forwards.
Manchester United themselves are also looking for forward additions but have struggled, due to tight PSR constraints.
A Chance for Marcus Rashford
Once Manchester United’s unsellable golden boy, Rashford has had a dismal few years. Allegations about his off-field situation and his lack of desire have been a key point of contention for United fans who have watched their team crumble before them. Amorim has come in and made it clear that that attitude will no longer be tolerated and whilst the likes of Alejandro Garnacho have shown signs of listening to the Portuguese boss, Rashford clear was not.
To be left out for a poor work ethic on one occasion is bad, but over a few weeks with vital games and the club desperately needing him is poor for any professional. Whatever has gone on behind the scenes, Rashford has the opportunity to show that the environment was the problem rather than him. Fellow England international Morgan Rogers has thrived at Villa and Rashford will be hoping to be able to do the same.