Raphael Varane says leaving Man Utd was a 'positive' move for Marcus Rashford - but ex-team-mate 'surprised' he chose to join Aston Villa

After being dropped from the United squad entirely by new coach Ruben Amorim, Rashford had been linked to Barcelona and AC Milan before both clubs eventually dropped out of the race to sign him, resulting in the England international making the loan move to Unai Emery's team in January.

Villa currently sit ninth in the Premier League and are nine points better off than United, who have fallen to 15th in the table. Nevertheless, ex-United centre-back Varane was "surprised" by his former team-mate's choice of club.

"Staying for so many years with this level of intensity and demand, years when the overall atmosphere is often negative because performances are below expectations, it’s very, very difficult," Varane told The Athletic. "For him to change his environment is positive. He is someone who loves the club and who gives everything for the shirt. But I’m surprised he’s going [to a club] so close to Manchester. I imagined him going further than a few kilometres away."

Rashford has made two appearances for Villa so far and will hope to feature again in Wednesday's showdown with Premier League leaders Liverpool.