Manchester United decided to move on Marcus Rashford in January following his fall-out with Ruben Amorim with the Mancunian joining Aston Villa on loan till the end of the season.
He was initially dropped from the Manchester derby matchday squad with the head coach citing attitude issues and the versatile forward failed to make an appearance since.
After an explosive interview in which the Carrington graduate claimed he was open to leaving his boyhood club, the Englishman tried to engineer a move to Barcelona but the Catalans stayed away.
Backed into a corner, Rashford finally decided to head to Birmingham, much to everyone’s surprise, with Unai Emery’s team even having the option of converting his loan stint into a permanent one for £40 million.
Rashford loaned to Villa
But the United No 10 had made it clear from the first day that he was only at Villa for a short time and his eyes remained on earning a move to Camp Nou.
His loan spell has started smoothly with the England international playing well in his three appearances till now but with the player’s mind set on a move to Spain, Aston Villa are also contemplating moving on from Rashford.
It must be remembered that Villa will also have to consider the United superstar’s considerable wage demands. While he currently earns £225,000 gross per week (via capology), he was earning in excess of £300,000 gross per week while at Old Trafford.
Villa would find it hard to satisfy the forward, especially if he fails to recapture the form he had shown a couple of seasons ago. So far, Rashford has not managed a single goal or assist.
Villa have Plan B in mind
As relayed by Football Transfers, Emery is eyeing Barcelona’s Ferran Torres as Plan B should the Rashford risk not work out in the end.
The former Manchester City star has 10 goals and three assists this season but he has been usurped by Raphinha in the pecking order and has managed only nine starts so far.
Villa are reportedly ready to offer €40m for the Barca ace, with the Spanish side open to selling him, having brought him to the club for €55 million three years ago.
Chelsea are also looking at Torres but they are not prepared to bid as high, which means Villa are in the hotseat as of now.
Villa’s approach could inadvertently also provide Barca the money to secure Rashford’s signature. Given the La Liga side’s monetary issues, Torres’ departure would certainly suit both Barca and Rashford.
Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
