Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season, both Premier League clubs announced on Sunday. This move brings an end to a difficult few weeks for the England striker after he was frozen out at Old Trafford.
Rashford, who has been capped 60 times by the English national team, expressed his enthusiasm about the move. \"I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision. I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager's ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started,\" Rashford posted on social media. \"I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen … I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.\"
Having scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United since breaking into the senior side in 2016, Rashford has been a key player for the Red Devils. He has lifted the Europa League, two FA Cups, and two League Cups during his time at Old Trafford.
However, the striker had not featured for Manchester United since mid-December, after admitting he was ready for a new challenge in his career. Manager Ruben Amorim called into question the forward's work rate and defended his decision to omit him from the squad in their win over Fulham last month, insisting he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all.
Rashford has also been a significant figure for England, scoring 17 goals in 60 appearances and playing in two World Cups and two European Championships.
Aston Villa have also bolstered their squad by signing Spanish fullback Andres Garcia from Levante and Dutch striker Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window.
The arrival of Rashford is expected to strengthen Aston Villa's attacking options as they aim to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season.
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Marcus Rashford moves to Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United
cgtn.com
