Marcus Rashford explains decision to pick Aston Villa loan move despite AC Milan & Barcelona options as attacker ends Man Utd nightmare

Rashford, who has been frozen out at Manchester United by Ruben Amorim has finally ended his Old Trafford nightmare by formally completing a loan move to Villa Park. The striker will stay at Aston Villa until the end of the 2024/25 campaign but the club do have the option to buy the striker permanently in the summer for £40 million ($49m).

The England international has been linked with a move away from United since the start of January. Clubs like AC Milan and Barcelona had shown interest in signing Rashford at one point in the transfer window, however, he eventually chose to stay in the Premier League.

In an interaction with Aston Villa's media team, the 27-year-old explained why he agreed to join the club as he said: "It’s a club that’s in a good position in the league, and they’re pushing to get higher. Still in the Champions League, a good, ambitious manager and great talent in the squad.

"I’ve had to choose somewhere where I feel my style of football is suited to, and can help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player. Obviously, it’s only short-term I’m here, so I want to make the most of my time here, and the only way to do that is by using my attributes and my skillset to help the team."

The Red Devils loanee could make his debut for his new club this Saturday as Unai Emery's side take on Tottenham in a FA Cup fourth-round clash.