Aston Villa have secured Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, giving the England international a fresh opportunity after falling out of favor at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford, once a fan favorite at Manchester United, has not featured for the club since December 12 and admitted earlier this season that he was ready for a "new challenge." Despite links to European clubs like AC Milan and Barcelona, Rashford's £300,000-a-week wage demands deterred potential suitors.
According to Sky Sports, Villa will cover at least 75% of Rashford's wages, with that figure potentially rising to 90% depending on performance-related bonuses. Villa also have the option to make the deal permanent for £40 million at the end of the season.
"I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision. I really admire the way the team has been playing this season and the manager's ambitions," Rashford said in a statement. "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."
Villa’s move comes after the sale of striker Jhon Duran to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League for £64 million, reinforcing their attacking options. Unai Emery's squad is currently eighth in the Premier League and has qualified for the Champions League Round of 16, with hopes of securing another European spot next season.
Rashford has been a key figure at United, scoring 138 goals in 426 appearances since coming through the youth ranks. He has won the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two League Cups with the club. However, his attitude and work ethic in training were questioned by Amorim, who took charge of United in November.
After United’s 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim made a dramatic comment, stating he would rather have 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital in the squad than Rashford, urging the forward to improve his commitment to the team.
A loan move to Villa gives Rashford a chance to rehabilitate his reputation after a disappointing spell. Once part of England’s World Cup squad and coming off a career-best 30 goals in the 2022/23 season, Rashford has struggled this season, scoring just seven goals in 24 appearances so far.
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