Marcus Rashford breaks silence on Aston Villa transfer and sends farewell wish to Man Utd
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford will spend the rest of the season at Aston Villa, with both clubs and the player confirming the move on Sunday
by Tom Victor · The MirrorMarcus Rashford has put out a statement on Instagram after completing his loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.
The England international indicated he was keen for a new challenge after spending his entire career at United. A number of clubs have been linked with the 27-year-old, but in the end it's Villa who have got a deal over the line.
"I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen," the forward wrote. I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision - I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions.
"I just want to play football and am excited to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season."
Rashford had scored seven goals in 24 United appearances this term before completing his exit. That tally included the first goal of the Ruben Amorim era, but United's head coach has decided he can finish the season without the academy graduate.
The forward moves to Villa Park just days after Jhon Duran's exit. Colombia striker Duran completed a big-money move to Al-Nassr, with Villa also facing bids for his fellow frontman Ollie Watkins earlier in the window.
Villa boss Unai Emery will need to decide whether to hand Rashford an immediate debut in the FA Cup fourth round match against Tottenham. The new arrival isn't cup-tied, having sat out United's third round win against Arsenal, but he is short on match practice after more than a month without playing for his parent club.
Will Marcus Rashford be a success at Aston Villa? Have your say in the comments section
Both United and Villa lost over the weekend, falling short against Crystal Palace and Wolves respectively. Speaking on the day of United's defeat, former club captain Gary Neville offered some advice to the departing Rashford.
"It had to happen. He had to get out of the club," Neville said on Sky Sports. "He's been battered in the last few weeks by his manager. Most importantly. That's the only person who matters is your coach. Some of the statements from Ruben Amorim have been brutal.
"Emphatically saying he doesn't want. Moving on to Villa, there are a number of things in his favour. He's going to a far better team, he's going to a coach who is world class which is a real opportunity for him.
"I think it puts pressure on Marcus to perform for Unai Emery, because if you don't play for him, Unai Emery can't be the problem for Marcus Rashford, he has to play well for him. The style Villa play could suit Marcus as well.
"Maybe the spolight won't be on him quite as much as at United. But there'll be a lot of attention. They've still got a lot to play for Villa and it's a real opportunity for Marcus. The last thing Marcus needs is someone saying 'go out and enjoy yourself'.
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