Loan forward Marcus Rashford given time off from Old Trafford pre-season to find a new club amid Barcelona and Bayern Munich links
Marcus Rashford has asked to leave Manchester United – and is being given time to find another club rather than return for pre-season with the rest of the Old Trafford squad.
Rashford is one of five United players who have told the club they wish to explore a future away from Old Trafford, along with Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.
Club sources say United understand the players’ position and has decided to delay their required return for pre-season until later in July to allow them time to explore “other solutions”.
The players are due back at United’s Carrington training ground on Monday as Ruben Amorim begins preparations for his first full season as Old Trafford manager.
However, it is clear that the Portuguese coach has got his way over the leading irritants in his squad, including Rashford, the one-time United icon whose fall from grace has been truly spectacular.
In confirming that Rashford’s representatives had been told of the United decision in advance, club sources also acknowledged the 27-year-old’s significant roll in United’s recent history – even as they closed the door on any further chapters.
The England outcast spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, scoring four times and laying on a further six assists in 17 appearances before a hamstring injury cut short his stay.
However, Villa decided against taking up a £40m option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis, and he has since said to be training on his own as he seeks a move to a Champions League club.
The likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been linked in recent weeks, but a deal still seems some way off, with Rashford’s reported £300,000 a week wages believed to be a significant stumbling block.
Football finance expert Stefan Borson claimed this past week that Villa had spent around £20m in wages for Rashford and fellow loanees Asensio and Axel Disasi, who joined from PSG and Chelsea.
Snap up limited edition Aston Villa branded Ozzy Osbourne merchandise
When Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath take to the stage this weekend they will be rightly hailed as the pioneers of heavy metal – and will do so at the home of their beloved Aston Villa.
To celebrate that link with the rockers and the club – a series of brilliant, unique souvenir merchandise is now available.
All of the designs combine retro designs, the Villa colours, and a homage to Ozzy Osbourne and with only a limited amount available – you will need to act fast to get your hands on yours!
