Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa in January but he is still aiming to join a bigger club at the end of the season.
Marcus Rashford featured in Aston Villa’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain after they battled the French champions for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Former United target Youri Tielemans pulled one back for Villa before half-time, before Rashford burst into life for the second half. Goals from John McGinn and Ezri Konsa followed, but they were unable to force PSG to extra-time.
Despite losing 5-4 on aggregate, Rashford was branded Villa’s shining light after the closely fought contest.
Unai Emery is impressed by Rashford’s form having taken Ollie Watkins out of the line-up in recent weeks. The 29-year-old was is Villa’s top scorer this season but the manager seems to prefer the United loanee.
Villa have the option to sign Rashford for £40 million at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen if they will have the money to make the deal permanent.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty ImagesMarcus Rashford could return to Manchester United
Although Rashford appears to have a frosty relationship with Ruben Amorim, the forward could return to Old Trafford in the summer unless an agreement is reached with Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has recorded nine goal contributions in 15 games for Villa, but Rashford’s previous aims of signing for Barcelona appear to be alive.
Rashford will hope that his performance against PSG helps him attract interest from Europe’s big hitters.
Marcus Rashford stats vs PSG
Now, United in Focus understands, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, that Rashford is focused on proving himself at Villa for the rest of the season to attract attention from either Barcelona or PSG.
“The player is hoping his form at Aston Villa will see former suitors Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain return to the table.
“UIF currently understands there is nothing to suggest that Barcelona and PSG have shown any fresh interest but Rashford’s people are in contact.”
Rashford’s representatives will be trying to get the best deal possible for their client. They wouldn’t be in their position if that wasn’t the case. It sounds like they will be pushing either Barcelona or PSG to make a summer move.
Manchester United expect Marcus Rashford return
Unlike Rashford, dreaming of Barcelona or PSG making a move for his signature, United don’t think that is likely to happen.
Instead, they’ve accepted the reality of the situation and feel Rashford is more than likely to return to Old Trafford when his Villa loan expires.
Bailey added: “United are working on the basis he is coming back. They would prefer a sale, but talks have not really happened yet.
“The feeling is that a permanent sale is not immediately forthcoming.”
Ineos are planning a mass clear-out in the summer and it remains to be seen if Rashford will be part of that. Getting him off the wage books must be a priority as part of the club’s cost-cutting measures.