Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline, sources have told BBC Sport. While discussions are progressing well, final details still need to be resolved.
The 27-year-old is reportedly drawn to the idea of working under Villa manager Unai Emery. Rashford has not played for United since being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim ahead of the Manchester derby on December 12. Amorim recently criticized the forward’s work ethic, even stating he would prefer to give a place on the bench to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach.
On Wednesday, Amorim acknowledged Rashford’s talent but insisted he must meet the team’s standards. “Imagine a talent like Rashford—our team should be so much better with him. But he has to change,” he said. “If he changes, we are more than happy to include him—and we need it. But at this moment, we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford if he truly wants it.”
A lifelong United player since joining the academy at seven, Rashford has made over 400 appearances and won the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two EFL Cups. He has scored 138 goals for the club, including a career-best 30 in the 2022-23 season. He found the net in Amorim’s first game in charge—a 1-1 draw against Ipswich on November 24—and scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Everton a week later. However, he was left out of the squad for United’s 2-1 win at Manchester City on December 15 and later told journalist Henry Winter he was “ready for a new challenge.”
Villa have been active in the transfer market, signing Spanish full-back Andres Garcia from Levante and Netherlands forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. They also sold Colombian striker Jhon Duran to Saudi club Al-Nassr in a deal worth up to £71 million and rejected an approach from Arsenal for England international Ollie Watkins.
Currently eighth in the Premier League, Villa have also secured qualification for the last 16 of the revamped Champions League group stage.
