Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford appears set for a permanent exit this summer, with Aston Villa emerging as the frontrunners to secure his signature in a deal worth around £60 million. The England international, currently on loan at Villa Park, has rediscovered his form under Unai Emery, convincing the club’s hierarchy to push for a long-term agreement. Meanwhile, United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, has reportedly decided against offering Rashford a fresh start at Old Trafford, signaling the end of an era for the academy graduate.
Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United this season have been well documented. Following a difficult campaign under Erik ten Hag, his situation worsened when Amorim arrived with a clear tactical blueprint that seemingly did not accommodate the 26-year-old’s strengths. The forward found himself on the fringes, with reports suggesting a breakdown in communication between him and the new coaching staff. “I couldn't put Marcus to see the way you're supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim was quoted as saying, reinforcing his stance on Rashford’s future.
Rather than stagnate on the bench, Rashford opted for a mid-season loan to Aston Villa in February 2025. The move has proven beneficial, as the forward has flourished under Emery, who has allowed him the attacking freedom that was lacking at United. His contributions have been crucial in Villa’s push for European qualification, and his resurgence has even earned him a recall to the England squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Villa’s interest in keeping Rashford beyond his loan spell is unsurprising. The club sees him as a marquee signing who can bolster their attacking options for the long term. Negotiations between the two clubs are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with United keen to offload the player permanently. The potential £60 million transfer fee would provide a significant financial boost to Amorim’s summer rebuild at Old Trafford, allowing the Portuguese tactician to shape his squad according to his philosophy.
For Rashford, a move to Villa could offer the perfect reset. After bursting onto the scene as a teenager at United, his career trajectory has fluctuated in recent years, with injuries, managerial changes, and inconsistent form hampering his progress. Now, under Emery’s guidance, he has the opportunity to reinvent himself in an ambitious team that continues to challenge the established Premier League elite.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Rashford’s next move appears all but certain. His departure will mark the end of his long association with Manchester United, a club where he developed from a promising academy prospect into a senior international. However, with Amorim determined to implement his vision at Old Trafford and Rashford thriving in new surroundings, a fresh start for both parties seems inevitable.
BY Fakorede King Abdulmajeed
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