Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, both Premier League clubs announced on Sunday. This move marks a new chapter for the England striker after a challenging period at Old Trafford.
Rashford, capped 60 times by the English national team, expressed his enthusiasm for the switch. “I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision,” Rashford shared on social media. “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.”
He also extended gratitude to his former club. “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen… I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”
Since emerging from Manchester United’s youth academy in 2016, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances, helping the club secure titles including the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two League Cups. However, he hadn’t featured for the Red Devils since mid-December, signaling a desire for a new challenge in his career.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim previously questioned Rashford’s work rate, omitting him from the squad in their win over Fulham last month. “I would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all,” Amorim stated.
Rashford has also been a key player for England, scoring 17 goals and participating in two World Cups and two European Championships.
Aston Villa have been active in the January transfer window, also signing Spanish fullback Andres Garcia from Levante and Dutch striker Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
