Manchester United academy graduate Marcus Rashford is reportedly on the verge of completing a loan move to Aston Villa. According to The Athletic, the 27-year-old forward is “close to agreeing” to join Villa before the transfer window closes on Monday at 11 p.m.
Rashford, a key figure for both United and the England national team over the years, has seen limited playing time under current United manager Ruben Amorim. His last start came during a 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. Since then, Rashford has been excluded from 11 of United’s last 12 matchday squads, signaling a clear downturn in his club career.
In December, the forward gave an explosive interview to journalist Henry Winter, where he openly shared his desire to seek a fresh start.
“I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford revealed. “When I leave, it’s going to be no hard feelings. You won’t hear any negative comments from me about Manchester United — that’s just who I am as a person.
“If a situation is already bad, I don’t want to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left, and I don’t want that for myself. When I leave, my statement will come directly from me.
“Rashford’s imminent departure has sparked emotional reactions from fans, many of whom are saddened by the way his United journey appears to be ending. On Saturday, Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail reported that Rashford had said his farewells to teammates and staff at United’s Carrington training complex, paving the way for his move to Aston Villa.
Among the flood of social media reactions, a particularly poignant post stood out: a school note written by Rashford back in 2019 titled Future and Aims. In the note, he wrote:”I hope that my future is very bright in and out of school, especially in my career as a footballer. I want to have a different lifestyle and make my family and others proud of me. I only have one aim in life, and that is to be a professional footballer, and hopefully at Manchester United.”
Fans were quick to share their thoughts, with many expressing heartbreak over Rashford’s departure. One user urged the player to revisit his childhood aspirations: “Marcus needs to read that back and remind himself of his goal. No more trips to NYC in LV jackets. Work to do, bro.”
Another lamented the lost potential, writing: “In another world, we won the Premier League together, Rashy.”
Despite the disappointment, Rashford remains a beloved figure among United supporters. “Love my boy Rashy wherever he goes,” one fan said.
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