MANCHESTER: Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, both clubs announced on Sunday, ending a difficult period for the England striker after being sidelined at Manchester United.
Rashford, capped 60 times for England, expressed his excitement about the move. “I had several options, but choosing Aston Villa was easy. I admire their style of play and the manager’s ambitions. I just want to play football and can’t wait to get started,” he posted on social media.
He also thanked both clubs for facilitating the transfer, adding, “I wish Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”
A product of United’s youth system, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances since his senior debut in 2016, winning the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two League Cups. However, he has not played since mid-December after expressing his desire for a new challenge.
Manager Ruben Amorim had previously questioned Rashford’s work rate and defended his decision to leave him out of the squad for last month’s win over Fulham, stating he would rather have a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not fully committed.
Internationally, Rashford has netted 17 goals for England and featured in two World Cups and two European Championships.
In addition to Rashford, Villa strengthened their squad in the January transfer window by signing Spanish fullback Andres Garcia from Levante and Dutch striker Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
