Marcus Rashford's Man Utd chapter closes after shock Aston Villa move

Rashford was notably omitted from the squad for the Manchester Derby in December, which United won 2-1 against Manchester City. Since then, the England international has only made one squad appearance.

Initially, Amorim described Rashford's exclusion as a "selection" decision, but his stance hardened after a 1-0 victory over Fulham, where he expressed that he would prefer to play Manchester United's goalkeeper coach, Jorge Vital, over Rashford, hinting at concerns about the player's commitment in training.

Throughout the January transfer window, Rashford was linked with several clubs, following his admission that he was ready for a "new challenge."

On deadline day, he completed a surprising move to Aston Villa on a loan deal until the season's end, with an option for Villa to secure his services permanently for around 40 million pounds.

Upon his arrival at Villa Park, Rashford shared his thoughts on social media, stating, "I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision, I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers' ambitions.

"I just want to play football and am excited to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season."

Aston Villa officially announced the signing, saying, "Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. The England international, capped 60 times by the Three Lions, joins Villa on a deal until the end of the season."

Rumours had circulated about a rift between Rashford and Amorim, but it's Rashford's relationship with the club at large that seems beyond repair.

Jamie Jackson, a journalist for The Guardian, wrote, "Marcus Rashford is extremely unlikely to play competitively for Manchester United again even if Ruben Amorim is no longer the head coach, with the relationship between the forward and his boyhood club near irreparable.

"It is understood, too, that there is no call-back clause in the forward's loan terms with Aston Villa should he start to score prolifically."

This move has been a hot topic on social media, with posts on X indicating that Rashford's medical with Aston Villa was completed, and discussions are ongoing about the potential permanent transfer fee. The general sentiment on X reflects both surprise and excitement about Rashford's new chapter with Aston Villa.