2025, FEBRUARY 02 – Aston Villa FC have completed the loan signing of Manchester United FC forward Marcus Rashford for the remainder of the 2024/25 season. The deal includes an option to buy for £40 million, with Villa covering at least 75% of his wages, though no loan fee has been paid.
Rashford, 27, departs United after making 426 appearances for the club since his senior debut against FC Midtjylland in 2016. He has scored 138 goals and won five major trophies. This season, he has featured in 24 matches, netting seven times, with his most recent appearance coming in December’s 2-1 UEFA Europa League victory over FC Viktoria Plzeň. His last goals for United came earlier that month when he scored twice in a 4-0 Premier League win over Everton FC.
His temporary switch to Villa was finalised on the penultimate day of the January transfer window, shortly after United secured the signing of 20-year-old Danish defender Patrick Dorgu from US Lecce. The club also added 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven from Arsenal FC on Saturday. Rashford’s exit follows the earlier departure of Brazilian forward Antony, who joined LaLiga side Real Betis Balompié on loan.
Speaking about his move, Rashford shared his thoughts on Instagram:
“I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen. I was fortunate to have interest from multiple clubs, but Aston Villa was an easy choice. I really admire how they’ve been playing this season and the ambitions of the manager. I just want to play football and can’t wait to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United the best for the rest of the season.”
Rashford’s decision to leave United follows a period of uncertainty regarding his role, particularly after being dropped for December’s Manchester derby. At the time, the England international stated he was “ready for a new challenge.”
On the international stage, Rashford has earned 60 caps and scored 17 goals for England, having represented his country at two European Championships and two FIFA World Cups.