Marcus Rashford is unlikely to play for Manchester United again, even if Ruben Amorim is no longer head coach, as his relationship with the club appears beyond repair. The forward, who completed a loan move to Aston Villa for the remainder of the season, is expected to leave permanently or on another loan in the summer despite having a contract at Old Trafford until 2028.
While there is a slim possibility that Rashford could feature for United in pre-season if Amorim departs, a full return seems improbable. A similar situation occurred last year when Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag reconciled following their dispute, allowing Sancho to participate in pre-season before eventually joining Chelsea on loan.
Amorim dismissed concerns that Rashford’s success at Villa would be an embarrassment for United. Additionally, there is no clause allowing United to recall him early. Rashford, who has taken the No. 9 shirt at Villa, highlighted the influence of Unai Emery in his decision to join the club, praising the manager’s impact and ambition.
“He’s a top manager and what he’s done for the club since coming in is unbelievable,” Rashford said. “It’s their constant ambition which is attractive and why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year, and that’s what the team’s been doing.”
Rashford also emphasized his desire to help Villa in the Champions League while making an impact in the Premier League. “We want to go as far as we can in that and if you don’t aim to win it, you’ll never win it, so that will be my main objective, along with pushing as high as possible in the league,” he added. The forward admitted to initial uncertainty about playing for another club but described his move as an exciting challenge rather than a daunting one.
He could make his debut in the FA Cup fourth-round match against Tottenham, expressing confidence that Villa’s style of play suits him. “I had to choose somewhere where my style of football is suited, where I can help the team and improve as a player. It’s only short-term, and I want to make the most of my time here.”
Meanwhile, United are not expected to make any late defensive signings despite concerns over Lisandro Martínez’s injury, sustained during their 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Amorim has several centre-back options, including Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelöf, Jonny Evans, and Ayden Heaven. Additionally, Noussair Mazraoui, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw can provide cover in a back three. The club remains cautious about Martínez’s condition but does not anticipate immediate clarity on the severity of his injury.
Elsewhere, Chelsea maintain an interest in Alejandro Garnacho, though a move before the deadline appears unlikely. United’s potential interest in Christopher Nkunku is also not expected to materialize into a transfer.
