Aston Villa has secured Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, bringing an end to the England international’s challenging spell under manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
Once a fan favorite at Manchester United, Rashford has not appeared for the club since December 12 and had previously expressed a desire for a “new challenge” earlier this season. The 27-year-old had been linked with potential moves to AC Milan and Barcelona, but both European giants were deterred by his reported £300,000-a-week ($372,000) wages.
According to Sky Sports, Villa will cover at least 75% of Rashford’s wages for the remainder of the season, with that figure rising to 90% depending on performance-related bonuses. The deal also includes an option for Villa to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season for £40 million.
“I was fortunate to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision,” Rashford said in a statement from Villa. “I really admire the way Villa have been playing this season, and I’m excited about the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football, and I can’t wait to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”
Villa made the move to strengthen their attacking options after selling Colombia striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr on Friday for a reported £64 million. Unai Emery’s team is currently in the last 16 of the Champions League and still has hopes of qualifying for the tournament again next season. Villa is sitting in eighth place in the Premier League, eight points clear of 13th-placed United.
Rashford, who scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for Manchester United, has won the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two League Cups with the club. However, his work ethic and attitude in training have come under scrutiny since Amorim’s arrival in November.
After United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham last weekend, the Portuguese manager controversially stated he would prefer to select the club’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, over Rashford. “Our team should be so much better with Rashford, but he has to change,” Amorim said. “If he does change, we are more than happy to have a talent like him in the team. But for now, it’s clear that we need to set certain standards.”
This loan move to Villa provides Rashford with a fresh start, offering him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation following his dramatic decline in form. Just over two years ago, he was part of England’s World Cup squad and had a career-best 30-goal season in 2022/23. However, his goal tally dropped to just eight last season, and he has scored seven in 24 appearances so far this campaign.
AFP
