'It's a good thing' - Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains why he was 'pleased' to see Marcus Rashford leave Man Utd on loan for Aston Villa

The English forward exited Old Trafford on a six-month loan deal to Aston Villa after losing the faith of manager Ruben Amorim. Since joining the Villans, Rashford's performances have seen a remarkable upturn as he has contributed with three assists in seven appearances for Unai Emery's side. United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now addressed Rashford's departure from the club, admitting he was "pleased" to see the forward leave.

Ratcliffe said to the BBC: "He's moved out of Manchester and maybe that's a good thing for him. I am very pleased he is doing well. It's good to see because he has got tremendous talent, but for whatever reason it wasn't working in Manchester for the past couple of seasons. But he is a very talented footballer, Rashford."

The Red Devils are reportedly ready to incorporate their academy star back into the side next season, but The Sun claimed last month that Rashford would prefer to continue with the Villans beyond the 2024-25 campaign, as he is keen on securing a permanent move to the West Midlands to develop under Emery. The 27-year-old feels that playing under the Spanish coach will help him resurrect his international career and he would be able to find a way back to the England national team ahead of the World Cup next year.

The United loanee will be back in action for Aston Villa on Wednesday as they take on Club Brugge in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 fixture, having won the first leg 3-1 in Belgium.