Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old forward had also been linked with moves to AC Milan and Barcelona this month after falling out of favour at his boyhood club.
Rashford, who joined United at the age of seven, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances since breaking into the first team in 2016 but has not played since December 12.
A statement read: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
“The England international, capped 60 times by the Three Lions, joins Villa on a deal until the end of the season.”
Villa Park’s latest in claret & blue 🟣 🔵 pic.twitter.com/1D0o1iTZsJ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 2, 2025
Reports indicate Villa will cover at least 75% of Rashford’s £300,000-plus weekly salary.
That figure could reach up to 90% depending on performance-based bonuses and the option to make the move permanent is reported to be £40million.
Villa have also secured an option to buy the player in the summer.
Rashford’s future has dominated the headlines throughout the transfer window having admitted he was “ready for a new challenge” after being dropped for the derby against Manchester City on December 15.
It now seems his appearance against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League three days earlier could turn out to be his last for United.
Rashford failed to impress new United manager Ruben Amorim, who said this week the forward “has to change” to have a future at Old Trafford.
Rashford said in a statement on Instagram: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.
“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.
“I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”
Rashford may not be the only arrival at Villa ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline with attacking midfielder Marco Asensio undergoing checks before joining on loan from manager Unai Emery’s former club Paris St-Germain.
Chelsea’s Joao Felix and Axel Disasi have been of interest, but Villa appear to have been priced out. They are looking to bring in a defender on deadline day.
United unveiled new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven, signed from Lecce and Arsenal respectively, before kick-off against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Tyrell Malacia could follow Rashford and Antony in making an exit before Monday’s deadline, with Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel and Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku possible options under consideration.
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