Aston Villa have officially confirmed that they will NOT be signing Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan in the Midlands after a public fall-out with Ruben Amorim.

Unai Emery’s side had managed to negotiate a £40m option to buy him permanently. Rashford, 27, performed relatively well at Villa Park having scored four goals and notched six assists in 17 appearances before his season was curtailed by injury.

It was previously reported that Villa were set to pass up the chance to keep him, something that they have now confirmed in a statement. They have announced that Rashford has returned to Old Trafford, while fellow loanees Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi have been sent back to Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea respectively.

A club statement read: “Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi each joined Villa in February on loan deals until the end of the 2024/25 season.

“Attacking midfielder Asensio enjoyed 21 outings in claret and blue, scoring eight goals, including three across both legs of our UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Club Brugge.

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“Forward Rashford made 17 appearances for the club and registered a total of nine goal contributions across all competitions, bagging a brace in our FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End.

“Defender Disasi arrived from Chelsea and made 10 appearances for Villa, his first coming against Ipswich Town in mid-February. 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.”

Meanwhile, Villa have also confirmed that both Robin Olsen and Kourtney Hause have departed the club at the end of their respective deals. Villa’s decision over Rashford now leaves him in a slightly uncomfortable position.

What should Rashford do now? Share your thoughts in the comments below

He appears to have little future under Amorim, while he is unwilling to take a cut to his lofty wage packet. Rashford has interest in a move to Barcelona, with the Catalans also admirers but their financial situation could make a move slightly tricky.

Rashford has three years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford. His former United teammate Timothy Fosu-Mensah recently shared his thoughts on Rashford’s situation.

He told the Independent: “I just want him to be happy. Everybody just wants him to be happy. The most important things is for him to feel good, for him to feel happy. Look, the quality is definitely there. Nobody needs to say anything about this quality, because he’s a top player.”

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