Manchester United is facing a significant challenge regarding Marcus Rashford, as the Aston Villa loanee is likely to leave the club for a reduced fee this summer. Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan during the winter transfer window with an option for the club to buy him permanently for around £40 million at the end of the season.
Rashford’s form at Manchester United had declined significantly after a successful 2022/23 campaign, where he scored 30 goals in all competitions. Despite hopes that new manager Ruben Amorim could revitalize his performance, the two reportedly had disagreements, leading to Rashford’s departure in January. Before joining Aston Villa, Rashford was linked with several European clubs, but his poor form and high salary deterred potential suitors like FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
Aston Villa took a chance on Rashford after selling Jhon Duran to Al Nassr. Under Unai Emery, Rashford has shown glimpses of his former self, contributing three assists in eight appearances. However, it remains uncertain whether Aston Villa will exercise the option to sign him permanently.
A report from The Daily Mail suggests that Manchester United might receive as little as £20 million for Rashford due to financial constraints. Aston Villa is currently covering 75% of Rashford’s £315,000 weekly wages until June 30. If Aston Villa or another club decides to buy Rashford, they would likely need to negotiate a lower salary, as few clubs are willing to match his current wages. This could necessitate a pay-off from Manchester United to facilitate the transfer, potentially reducing the transfer fee they would receive.