Aston Villa are nearing the completion of a deal to bring Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, with the move driven by Unai Emery, who is eager to reinforce his attacking options. The 27-year-old forward has found himself sidelined at Old Trafford, having fallen out of favor with manager Ruben Amorim, and is expected to undergo a medical on Sunday. Villa see Rashford as a low-risk addition, as they are unlikely to pay any transfer fee upfront, though discussions are ongoing about the possibility of including an option to buy him in the summer if the loan spell proves successful.
The loan move comes after the departure of Jhon Durán, and Villa have been actively pursuing reinforcements for their attack. In addition to Rashford, Villa are also targeting Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain, further bolstering Emery’s plans to improve his squad for the second half of the season. Both players are viewed as ideal additions to Villa’s European ambitions, as the club aims to qualify for the Champions League and challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Rashford’s move to Villa would allow him to play in the Champions League, providing a significant opportunity for him to rediscover his best form after a difficult spell at Manchester United. He has not featured in a match since December 12, and the lack of game time has hindered his progress. However, a fresh start under Emery’s guidance at Villa could offer Rashford the chance to return to the heights he reached during the 2022-23 season, when he scored 30 goals in all competitions.
Emery is known for his preference for versatile players, and Rashford fits that profile. The forward has demonstrated his ability to play both as a central striker and as a winger, providing flexibility to Villa’s attack. This versatility is something Emery values highly, particularly with the arrival of Donyell Malen, another player capable of operating across the forward line, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund last month.
The move to Villa would also see Rashford link up with fellow England international Ollie Watkins, who has been in fine form for the club. Watkins was the subject of a rejected bid from Arsenal, with the striker expressing his commitment to Villa despite the interest from the Premier League giants. Emery has praised Watkins for his decision to stay, noting that some players are eager to leave, while others are more willing to remain and contribute to the team’s progress.
Rashford’s current deal at Manchester United sees him earning £365,000 a week, but Villa have agreed to cover a significant portion of his wages, making the deal financially viable. The club’s highest earner, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, earns around £200,000 a week, meaning Rashford would be the second-highest paid player at Villa Park should the move go through.
Rashford’s form this season has been inconsistent, with just seven goals to his name so far. His struggles to replicate the form he enjoyed in the previous campaign, where he netted 30 times, have been a source of frustration for both the player and his club. A change of scenery and a new environment at Villa could provide the reset Rashford needs to regain his confidence and consistency in front of goal.
Villa’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements does not end with Rashford. The club is also keen on signing Asensio, a versatile forward who could further enhance their attacking options. Asensio, who made his name at Real Madrid, is now at PSG, but Villa are hoping to bring him to the Premier League on loan. His experience and technical ability would add depth and creativity to Villa’s attack, complementing the likes of Watkins and Rashford.
In addition to the offensive reinforcements, Villa are also in the market for a central defender. Axel Disasi of Chelsea is reportedly still a target, with Emery looking to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the second half of the season. With Villa still competing in both the Premier League and the Europa League, strengthening their squad has been a priority for the club.
As the January transfer window comes to a close, the potential signing of Rashford represents a major coup for Villa, as they continue to build a squad capable of competing for European places. If the deal goes through, it would mark a fresh chapter in Rashford’s career, offering him the opportunity to make an impact at a club on the rise. With his pace, skill, and versatility, Rashford could be a key player in Villa’s push for Champions League qualification, and his partnership with Watkins could form a potent attacking duo for the remainder of the season.
