Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United until the end of 2024-25 season, with a £40m option to make the move permanent.
Rashford hasn’t played in any of Utd’s last 12 matches in all competitions after he fell out of favour with new boss – Ruben Amorim, although he was an unused substitute in their 2-0 Premier League loss at home to Newcastle in late December 2024.
Utd consequently allowed the 27 year-old to talk to European clubs but after talks with various clubs broke down, Rashford was permitted to join Villa on loan following late interest from Unai Emery’s Villains who will cover most of his salary across his loan spell.
Villa also have an optional £40m transfer clause within the loan agreement, which could see Rashford make a permanent switch with the 27 year-old having agreed a three-and-a-half year contract with the club until June 2028 in that eventuality.
Commenting on Rashford’s loan move, Man Utd issued a brief statement expressing their best wishes for him at Villa.
“Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the rest of the season.”
Rashford took to Instagram to share his thanks to Villa for allowing him to join on loan whilst also wishing Utd well for the rest of the campaign.
“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 managers’ 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’s loan switch comes after 20 years with the Red Devils in which he came through their academy and has gone on to score 138 goals in 426 appearances, having scored twice on his senior debut in February 2016 as Utd beat Midtjylland 5-1 in the second leg of their Round of 32 tie in UEFA Europa League.
During that time, Rashford helped Utd to two EFL Cup and FA Cup titles apiece plus 2016 FA Community Shield and 2016-17 UEFA Europa League trophies.
Rashford represents England at international level having graduated through their youth ranks to make his senior debut in May 2016, where he scored on his first senior international appearance in a 2-1 friendly win over Australia as part of preparations for UEFA Euro 2016 – where he made two appearances in his first major tournament.
The 27 year-old has since gone on to net 17 goals in 60 appearances for England but made just one appearance in 2024 amidst his struggles at club level.
Confirmation of Rashford’s loan switch comes hours after Utd signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.