‘Amazing commitment’ – Aston Villa release statement as £40m Manchester United transfer decision made
Aston Villa Confirm Marcus Rashford Will Return to Manchester United Following Loan Spell
Aston Villa have officially announced that Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United this summer following the conclusion of his short-term loan. The Premier League club opted not to activate the £40 million purchase clause included in the initial agreement, meaning the 27-year-old forward is set to depart Villa Park.
Rashford, who joined Villa in the latter half of the 2024/25 season, found himself on the fringes at Manchester United under manager Ruben Amorim. The England international had not featured for the Red Devils since December, when he was dropped for the high-stakes Manchester derby against City due to underwhelming performances. His exclusion marked the beginning of a prolonged absence from the first team, leading to speculation over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
In an effort to rejuvenate his career, Rashford admitted he was open to a “new challenge” and subsequently accepted a loan move to Aston Villa, where he hoped to rediscover his best form. Despite showing flashes of his renowned ability—particularly a standout performance in the FA Cup quarter-final where he netted twice against Preston North End—Villa have decided against turning the temporary stint into a permanent switch.
Sources close to the player suggest that Rashford remains intent on securing a move to a UEFA Champions League club this summer, with a long-term goal of earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. His preferred destination is believed to be Spanish giants Barcelona, although no formal offer has been submitted as of yet.
Rashford registered nine goal contributions in 17 appearances for Aston Villa across all competitions, and while his time in Birmingham was productive, it ultimately wasn’t enough to persuade the club to invest in a permanent deal.
Villa confirmed his departure in a broader squad update released on Monday. In the statement, the club expressed gratitude to all players departing this summer, including Rashford, fellow loanee Marco Asensio, and defender Axel Disasi. Asensio, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in February, impressed with eight goals in 21 appearances, notably scoring a hat-trick across both legs of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash with Club Brugge. Disasi, on loan from Chelsea, featured 10 times and made his debut in a mid-February fixture against Ipswich Town.
The club also bid farewell to goalkeeper Robin Olsen and defender Kortney Hause, both of whom have reached the end of their contracts. Olsen made 22 appearances since joining in 2022 and now returns to Sweden with Malmö FF. Hause, who first arrived at Villa on loan in 2019 before securing a permanent move, played 55 times and contributed four goals, including critical performances during their Championship play-off run.
In the official message, Aston Villa stated:
> “Aston Villa would like to thank Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause following the expiration of their contracts, as well as our loan players as they return to their respective parent clubs… Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank each of the players for their efforts and amazing commitment to the club and wish them all the very best for the future.”
As for Rashford, he is expected to report back to Manchester United’s Carrington training complex for pre-season testing next week. However, it remains unclear whether he will participate in regular first-team sessions or continue training separately as the club assess transfer options.
With the summer window open and Rashford keen on a fresh chapter, the coming weeks are likely to be pivotal for the England forward as he seeks to revive a career that once made him one of the brightest stars in world football.