Marcus Rashford Nears Loan Move to Aston Villa as Deadline Looms

MANCHESTER, England — Aston Villa are closing in on a loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before Monday’s transfer deadline, sources have confirmed to BBC Sport. Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage, though final details remain unresolved.

The 27-year-old England international has not featured for United since being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on Dec. 12. Amorim, who took charge of United in November, has publicly challenged Rashford to meet the standards expected of the squad.

“Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him — but he has to change,” Amorim said on Wednesday. “If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] — and we need it. But in this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.”

Rashford, a product of United’s academy, has made over 400 appearances for the club since joining at the age of seven. During his tenure, he has won the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two EFL Cups. Despite scoring in Amorim’s first game in charge and netting twice in a 4-0 win over Everton, Rashford was omitted from the squad for United’s 2-1 victory at Manchester City on Dec. 15.

Following his exclusion, Rashford hinted at his desire for a fresh start, telling journalist Henry Winter he was “ready for a new challenge.” The prospect of working under Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is believed to be a key factor in Rashford’s interest in the move.

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin endorsed the potential transfer, calling it a “great move” for Rashford. “It is such a stable club with a very, very good manager,” Dublin told Football Focus. “There would be some world-class players around him, and he would be going into a very happy camp. Marcus needs a big hug and for someone to tell him, ‘Listen, you’re an excellent player.’ I think Unai Emery could be the coach to get the best out of him.”

Former Arsenal forward Ellen White also weighed in, suggesting a move to Villa could reignite Rashford’s career. “A move to Aston Villa would be something new and fresh for Marcus Rashford,” she said. “We know he can be a great goalscorer and he is a great player. He just needs something different, a new environment.”

As the transfer deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether the deal will be finalized, potentially marking a new chapter for Rashford and a significant boost for Aston Villa’s ambitions this season.