Marcus Rashford is reportedly close to securing a loan move to Aston Villa, with the England forward keen on the switch. Villa emerged as an unexpected destination on Friday after manager Unai Emery personally requested the club pursue talks for the 27-year-old.
Rashford, who has been left out of Manchester United’s last 12 matchday squads by Ruben Amorim, expressed his desire for a new challenge back in December. While Barcelona had been his preferred destination, a move to the Catalan club is becoming less likely as the January transfer window draws to a close.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Rashford is now considering a move to Villa Park, and there is hope that the deal can be completed before the window shuts. Villa, who are looking for attacking reinforcements following Jhon Duran’s £64million transfer to Al-Nassr, have also been linked with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel. However, it seems the French forward is leaning toward a move to either Arsenal or Manchester United after rejecting Tottenham.
Arsenal have also shown interest in Ollie Watkins, but Villa have been firm in their stance not to sell, with Emery insisting the striker is happy at the club. Rashford, who has scored seven goals in 24 appearances this season, has struggled under Amorim, who has been critical of his performances in training. Amorim has made it clear that Rashford needs to improve if he is to return to the team, even stating that he would prefer to play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, over any player failing to meet his standards.
Amorim said, “Imagine a player like Rashford, our team should be much better with him, but he has to change. If he does, we’ll welcome him back. But right now, we need to set clear standards. We’re waiting for him, if he really wants it.”
Rashford’s potential exit could allow United to focus on securing Bayern’s Mathys Tel. On the other hand, Villa can offer Rashford the chance to play in the Champions League, having recently secured a spot in the knockout stage.
