New Delhi: Aston Villa are exploring the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford on loan as they look to strengthen their forward line. Unai Emery has personally requested the club to look into a deal for the Manchester United attacker, who has been left out of the squad for 12 consecutive matches under Ruben Amorim.
With Jhon Duran set to join Al Nassr in a deal worth €77 million (£64.5m) plus add-ons and Emi Buendia heading to Bayer Leverkusen on loan, Villa need attacking reinforcements. Rashford, who has struggled for minutes at United, is among the names on their shortlist.
Marcus Rashford’s situation at Manchester United
🚨 Aston Villa considering move to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Man Utd. 27yo preference Barcelona or #MUFC stay so would need convincing but #AVFC in talks on personal request of Unai Emery. By @lauriewhitwell @AdamCrafton_ @J_Tanswell @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/PlzsrzT1PY
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2025
Rashford has been out of favour at Old Trafford since December, featuring in just one squad as an unused substitute against Newcastle. His last appearance came in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen on December 12. Amorim initially gave him opportunities, but after two starts and three goals, Rashford found himself sidelined, making just two substitute appearances in the Premier League since then.
The manager has been firm on his stance, stating that Rashford must prove himself in training if he wants to return. After United’s 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim even said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench than select a player who doesn’t meet the required standards in training.
Marcus Rashford’s preferred move is either staying at United or joining Barcelona, but the Spanish club’s financial situation remains uncertain. If he considers a Premier League move, Villa could be an attractive option given their position in the Champions League last-16. However, his £325,000-a-week wages could be a stumbling block.
Aston Villa are also looking at Joao Felix and Marco Asensio, both of whom Emery has admired for a long time. The club wants versatile attackers who can play centrally or out wide, and Rashford fits that profile. He could provide an alternative to Ollie Watkins as a No.9 while also operating on either flank.
Emery has a track record of reviving the careers of talented but struggling players, with Joao Felix and Marco Asensio being past targets. He believes he could help Rashford rediscover his best form in a system that suits his strengths.
Several other clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, have explored the possibility of signing Rashford. His representatives have already spoken with Milan about a January loan, with his agent Dwaine Maynard even travelling to Italy for talks earlier this month.
For now, Rashford remains out in the cold at United, and with the transfer deadline approaching, Villa could test the waters with a formal approach. However, convincing him to move to another English club and finding a way to manage his wages will be key factors in determining whether a deal will happen.
Aston Villa are considering a loan move for Marcus Rashford as Unai Emery seeks attacking reinforcements, but Rashford’s wages and preference for Barcelona could complicate a potential transfer. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
