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Marcus Rashford, a lifelong Manchester United player with 426 appearances and 138 goals, is set to join Aston Villa. In November, the idea of him leaving was considered unlikely but even with hopes of a resolution on Rashford’s part last week, United insiders believe coach Ruben Amorim felt it would be better for everyone if the forward was no longer around. It’s uncertain why the coach was so willing to let him go, even with frank interviews. Everything was sparked when Amorim dropped Rashford for the Manchester derby on 15 December and he’s been omitted from 11 of 12 squads since.
Rashford responded to that forceful assertion by using a visit to his old school to tell football writer Henry Winter he was ready for “a new challenge”. Unit sources say Rashford has trained well but unlike Jadon Sancho, he was not banished to a different area of the Carrington training ground and told to change on his own. Even with his body language not always presenting the most positive image, he was expressive and light-hearted in recent open training. However, United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney has told Rashford in private he should leave.
One theory floated by a source with an understanding of the workings at Old Trafford pointed to financial matters. Rashford and Casemiro are by far United’s highest earners and their presence makes it difficult for United to get their profligacy in the transfer market under control. Consequently, it is not until those salaries are off the books that United can properly start to move forward in a more sustainable manner. United have grown used to subsidizing moves for highly paid players who are no longer wanted by the manager of the day.
It makes sense for Rashford to join Villa. Villa’s status is currently greater than that of United. They are pushing for a top-five slot and have a Champions League last-16 game in March to look forward to. Unai Emery needs someone who can play through the centre, if required, or in a wide slot. Although he prefers to be on the left, Rashford can do all of this. Villa can also accommodate his wage demands. Emery was a huge selling point and on a personal level, Rashford doesn’t need to move house.
As for Amorim, he no longer has to answer questions about a player who belongs to another club. But he needs to deliver success himself. If he doesn’t, and Rashford does well, he will be in a very uncomfortable position. Rashford’s move to Villa will feel strange for his fans, but he will have a new challenge to look forward to
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