Only three Man Utd players sent Marcus Rashford messages of support after Aston Villa move was confirmed
Three Manchester United players sent Marcus Rashford messages of support after his move to Aston Villa was confirmed.
After being frozen out by Ruben Amorim at United, Rashford was heavily linked with a number of clubs - including Barcelona, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
He had expressed his desire to embark on a new challenge ever since being left out of matchday squads but has elected to remain in England, signing on loan for Villa.
The West Midlands outfit will not be paying a loan fee to United, though they will be covering a minimum of 75 per cent of his £325,000 wages.
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In addition, Villa also have the option to purchase Rashford permanently for a fee of £40 million.
Rashford announced his move to Villa on Instagram on Sunday night, thanking both United and his new employers for making the deal happen.
The 27-year-old stressed that he just wants to "play football" after being out in the cold and his post received comments of support from his United colleagues.
Luke Shaw commented, "Good luck my bro", while Alejandro Garnacho said, "All the best Rash" on Instagram.
Antony, who has joined Real Betis on loan, added: "All the best brother".
Meanwhile, Scott McTominay, who left United in the summer to sign for Serie A leaders Napoli also told Rashford "Good luck bro" - and Jadon Sancho - on loan at Chelsea, wrote: "He’s back!".
Sancho endured a similar situation at United when he was ostracised by Erik ten Hag before being loaned out to Chelsea, where he has featured 19 times and is poised to join permanently.
New teammate Leon Bailey also expressed excitement at linking up with Rashford, while former United goalkeeper David de Gea calling the England international "The Wonder Kid".
Rashford's arrival comes after Villa allowed both Jhon Duran and Emi Buendia to depart and sees him boost their forward line for the Champions League, where they qualified for the round of 16 after finishing in eighth place.
Speaking to the club's official channel about his move, Rashford said: "Definitely excited. It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to join the team.
"I’m excited, can’t wait for the first training session and obviously the first game.
"(Unai Emery is) a top manager and what he’s done at the club since he’s come to Villa is unbelievable.
"It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive, and it’s why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year, and that’s what the team has been doing and are doing this year.
"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."
Rashford, who will wear the No.9 shirt, could make his debut on Sunday when Villa host Spurs in the FA Cup fourth round at Villa Park.
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa, Ruben Amorim, Champions League, Premier League, Man Utd
Josh Lawless