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Published February 2, 2025 4:44pm Updated February 2, 2025 4:44pm
Ruben Amorim reportedly told Marcus Rashford he would never play for Manchester United again as he nears a surprise loan move to Aston Villa.
After nearly two months of speculation, Rashford is set to finally depart Old Trafford and join Premier League rivals Villa.
It was thought that the England international would move abroad with the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund interested in his services.
However, his £350,000-a-week wages proved to be a major stumbling block and it seemed at one point as if a transfer would not happen.
As such, it was reported that Rashford was still open to remaining at his boyhood club, despite publicly stating in December that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’.
It was said the 27-year-old was doubling his efforts on the training ground in a bid to win over Amorim who had frozen him out for a showing a lack of effort at Carrington.
But according to talkSPORT, the head coach was not for turning and bluntly told Rashford he would not play him even if he stayed with the Red Devils.
Thankfully for the forward, Villa became interested in a deal after selling Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr for £65million.
Thanks to this cash injection, the Villans will cover at least 75 per cent of his weekly wages which could rise to 90 depending on performance-based bonuses.
Unai Emery will also have the chance to buy Rashford permanently in the summer for £40million.
With his medical booked at Villa Park, Rashford was not in the matchday squad on Sunday as United lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim was asked whether it would be ‘Humiliating’ for him if the player succeeded at Villa while United continue to struggle in front of goal.
‘Humiliating? It’s not embarrassing,’ he replied.
‘When you loan a player, and I think it is not official, you expect him to play and improve so there is nothing humiliating there.
‘I understand the question but I’m just focused on my players. That is all. When the window closes I will be really focused on just improving our team.’
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