Man Utd, Villa ‘in talks’ over ‘earlier than expected’ return amid Rashford’s stance on £40m transfer
Manchester United and Aston Villa are reportedly ‘in talks’ over Marcus Rashford returning to his parent club ‘earlier than expected’.
Rashford departed Man Utd during this year’s winter transfer window, joining Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy for around £40m.
The England international was criticised for his poor form and attitude at Man Utd as he declined after he scored 30 goals in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign.
It was hoped that the appointment of Ruben Amorim would boost Rashford, but they reportedly butted heads en route to him leaving in January.
It was initially expected that Rashford would depart Man Utd for a European side, but his form and huge salary provided major obstacles before Rashford took a punt on the forward after they sold Jhon Duran to Al Nassr.
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This risky transfer has paid off, though. Rashford has benefited from his fresh start as he’s grabbed four goals and six assists in his 17 appearances.
However, Rashford’s season is likely to end prematurely after he missed Aston Villa’s FA Cup semi-final vs Crystal Palace due to injury.
Earlier this week, David Ornstein revealed Rashford is ‘highly likely’ to miss the rest of this season but will focus on being available for the next international break in June.
On Rashford’s injury, Villa boss Unai Emery said: ” He got injured [last] week and yesterday we did a test – it is his hamstring.
“We are going to try to test him each match but he’s injured and probably won’t be available for some weeks.”
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Now, a report from The Sun claims Man Utd and Aston Villa are ‘in talks’ over ‘whether to recall Rashford earlier than expected’.
Regarding his injury status and stance on a permanent move to Aston Villa, the report explains:
‘Villa’s final match of the season is against his parent club United — a game Rashford would not be eligible to play in. That means the last game of his loan spell would be the May 18 home clash with Tottenham.
‘It looks unlikely he will be fit in time for that, meaning his difficult campaign is effectively over. And a decision will need to be taken between the forward — who joined Villa on loan in the winter window — and United over what happens next.
‘Rashford knows there is unlikely to be any future for him at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, so the Red Devils will listen to offers. And he plans to sit down with his employers before mid-June.
‘Yet he may be forced to return earlier than expected if the two clubs agree there is no prospect of him recovering inside three weeks. That comes in spite of Villa holding a £40m buy option for Rashford as part of their loan agreement with United.
‘Rashford is said to be undecided on his future as things stand and will have the final say on where he plays next season.’
