Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa was confirmed late on Sunday evening, with Manchester United wishing him “good luck for the rest of the season.”
The forward’s departure follows a period of exclusion from the squad since mid-December, reportedly due to “training reasons.” In a statement, United announced: “Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the 2024-25 season. Everyone at the club wishes him well for the rest of the campaign.”
Aston Villa will cover a minimum of 75% of Rashford’s £365,000-a-week wage, with the possibility of rising to 90% based on performance-related bonuses. The deal includes an option to buy in the summer, with the fee set at approximately £40 million.
Ahead of the official confirmation, Rashford’s temporary move prompted discussions about whether United might regret the decision should he rediscover his form at Villa. However, the club’s head coach dismissed the notion, stating, “When you loan a player, you expect him to play and improve. There is nothing humiliating about that. My focus is on my players and improving the team.”
United’s struggles continued with a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, marking their seventh home loss in 13 league games. This equaled the club’s worst-ever start to a season, dating back to 1893-94. Adding to their woes, Lisandro Martínez was stretchered off in the second half with what has been described as a “serious situation.”
The team’s difficulties in attack have been evident, with only 28 goals scored in the league fewer than all but the bottom three clubs and Everton. When questioned about the potential embarrassment should Rashford excel at Villa, the head coach reiterated his stance, emphasizing the importance of improving the squad rather than dwelling on the move.
Rashford expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I would like to thank both clubs for making this loan deal happen. A few teams approached me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision. I admire the way they have been playing and the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.”
In an effort to reinforce the squad, United have turned their attention to Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel as a possible replacement. However, negotiations remain uncertain, with two bids already rejected. The club remains hopeful but acknowledges the challenges of the transfer market.
The competition for Tel’s signature has intensified, with Arsenal also expressing interest in securing him on loan. The player previously rejected a permanent move to Tottenham, despite Bayern and Spurs agreeing on a £50 million fee.
Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow over Martínez’s injury. The head coach acknowledged its severity, saying, “We will assess it in the coming days, but it seems serious. He is not only a great player but also a strong presence in the dressing room. He felt it immediately, and as a player, you know when something is bad. We are here to support him as he has supported us.”
With the transfer window nearing its close, United are racing against time to make necessary additions. The coach emphasized the need for incremental improvements, aiming to regain momentum and turn the season around despite the ongoing setbacks.
