Marcus Rashford Returns Manchester United After Aston Villa Declines £40m Option

Aston Villa have decided not to make Marcus Rashford's loan move permanent, opting not to activate the £40 million buy option, meaning the 27-year-old striker will return to Manchester United. Rashford scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances for Villa, contributing to the club's run to the Champions League quarter-finals and an FA Cup semi-final. Alongside Rashford, loan players Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi will also return to their parent clubs, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea respectively, while goalkeeper Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause have left Villa following contract expirations. Rashford's future remains uncertain, with reports indicating his interest in a move to Barcelona, who are prioritizing other transfers but still reportedly interested in the forward. Villa are looking to refresh their squad this summer, with interest in Barcelona winger Ferran Torres as a potential replacement for Rashford to strengthen their attacking options under manager Unai Emery. The club expressed gratitude to the departing players for their contributions and commitment during their spells at Villa.