Aston Villa is nearing an agreement to secure Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on loan ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Sources indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, although some details still need to be finalized.
The opportunity to work under Villa manager Unai Emery is reportedly appealing to the 27-year-old.
Rashford has been sidelined at Manchester United since being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on December 12.
Amorim recently remarked that he would rather allocate a bench spot to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than to Rashford, citing concerns over the striker’s effort.
However, on Wednesday, Amorim acknowledged that Rashford’s inclusion would strengthen the team but maintained that the player had not met the standards he expects from his squad.
“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” explained Amorim.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.”
Marcus Rashford, who joined Manchester United at the age of seven, has made over 400 appearances for the club, winning the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two EFL Cups. He has scored 138 goals for United, including a career-best 30 goals during the 2022-23 season.
Rashford found the net in Ruben Amorim’s first game as United manager, a 1-1 draw at Ipswich on November 24, and followed up with two goals in a 4-0 victory over Everton a week later. However, he was omitted from the squad for United’s 2-1 win against Manchester City on December 15 and later expressed his readiness for “a new challenge” in an interview with journalist Henry Winter.
Aston Villa has been active in the transfer market, securing Spanish full-back Andres Garcia from Levante and Netherlands forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. They also sold Colombian striker Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for a deal potentially worth £71 million and rejected Arsenal’s approach for England striker Ollie Watkins.
Currently eighth in the Premier League, Villa has qualified for the Champions League last 16 after a strong finish in the new group stage format.
“If anyone can unlock Rashford’s abilities, Emery can”
Although not publicly stated, it’s evident Ruben Amorim has been unwilling to work with this version of Rashford, prompting the striker’s comments about seeking a fresh challenge.
However, a move to Villa under Unai Emery presents a unique opportunity. If Rashford thrives at Villa Park while Manchester United continues to struggle in attack, it could spark questions about Amorim’s decisions at Old Trafford.
With Emery’s vast experience and Villa’s upward momentum, including a Champions League campaign on the horizon, the Midlands club appears to offer Rashford an environment conducive to rediscovering his form. Success at Villa could raise eyebrows at United, particularly if Rashford plays a pivotal role in helping Emery’s side achieve their ambitions.
‘Move would be something new and fresh’
Former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin says the deal would be a “great move” for Rashford.
He told Football Focus: “It is such a stable club with a very, very good manager. There would be some world-class players around him and he would be going into a very happy camp.
“Marcus needs a big hug and for someone to tell him, ‘Listen, you’re an excellent player’. I think Unai Emery could be the coach to get the best out of him. Let’s see what happens.”
Former Arsenal forward Ellen White added: “A move to Aston Villa would be something new and fresh for Marcus Rashford. We know he can be a great goalscorer and he is a great player. He just needs something different, a new environment.”