Manchester United have officially confirmed the loan transfer of forward Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The deal includes an option for Villa to sign him permanently for £40 million ($49 million) in the summer, according to The Athletic
United had been actively seeking a move for Rashford following his candid interview with journalist Henry Winter in December, where he openly expressed his desire for a “new challenge.”
Marcus is here 🤝 pic.twitter.com/83gxk3voU2
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 2, 2025
Since then, the 27-year-old forward had been sidelined at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim. His loan switch now provides him with an opportunity for a fresh start at Villa Park.
In an official official statement, Manchester United confirmed the move, saying:
“Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season. Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the rest of the season.”
Rashford becomes Villa’s third signing of the January transfer window, following the arrivals of Andres Garcia from Levante and Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. He is expected to go straight into Unai Emery’s squad, especially following Jhon Duran’s departure to Al-Nassr.
Villa Park’s latest in claret & blue 🟣 🔵 pic.twitter.com/1D0o1iTZsJ
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 2, 2025
The Athletic further reports that Aston Villa will cover 75% of Rashford’s £325,000-per-week wages, a figure that could rise to 90% based on performance-related bonuses.
This move makes Rashford the second United player to leave on loan this month, after Brazilian winger Antony’s temporary switch to La Liga side Real Betis. The England international could make his Villa debut on February 9 in the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Additionally, he will have the opportunity to feature in the Champions League next month, with Villa securing a spot in the round of 16 after finishing eighth in the new league phase.