Back in the January transfer window, Rashford was already angling for a departure from Old Trafford and had actively proposed a loan move to Barcelona. Talks had progressed to an advanced stage, but the Catalan side ultimately chose to prioritise contract extensions within their squad rather than new additions. Instead, the 27-year-old was loaned to Aston Villa, where he has enjoyed a more prominent role until he was sidelined with an injury.