Once a fan favorite at United, Rashford has not featured for the club since December 12 and had been seeking a fresh start. The 27-year-old forward was linked to AC Milan and Barcelona, but both clubs hesitated due to his reported £300,000-a-week wages.
According to Sky Sports, Aston Villa has agreed to cover at least 75% of Rashford’s wages, which could increase to 90% based on performance-related bonuses. Additionally, Villa holds an option to make the deal permanent for £40 million at the end of the season.
Rashford’s First Statement as a Villa Player
Expressing his excitement about the move, Rashford said in a club statement:
“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision. I really admire the way they’ve been playing this season and the manager’s 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.”
Why Villa Moved for Rashford
Aston Villa’s decision to sign Rashford comes just days after selling Colombian striker Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr for £64 million.
Under Unai Emery, Villa has qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 and is pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The team currently sits eighth, eight points ahead of 13th-placed Manchester United.
Rashford’s Decline at Manchester United
Since making his senior debut for Manchester United, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances, winning two FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Europa League.
However, his recent form has been disappointing. After netting 30 goals in the 2022/23 season, he scored just eight goals last season and has only seven in 24 appearances this campaign. His attitude and training commitment were questioned by Amorim, who controversially stated after last weekend’s 1-0 win at Fulham:
“Our team should be so much better with Rashford, but he has to change. If he does, we will welcome a talent like Rashford, but at the moment, we need to set some standards.”
The loan move provides Rashford with a chance to rebuild his reputation and prove himself at a club looking to challenge for a Champions League spot.
