Exiling the Devil: The Most Talked-About Winter Transfer Happened in England

Instead of solidifying his status as a Manchester United legend, Marcus Rashford has been exiled to Aston Villa.

"Three years ago, this guy could call the Prime Minister and sit in front of him. Now, he can’t even get close to Manchester United’s starting lineup," said the legendary Alan Shearer, commenting on Marcus Rashford’s move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.

Rashford, a United academy graduate, spent 20 years within the club’s system. For the Red Devils’ first team, he played 426 matches, scoring 138 goals and providing 63 assists. During his time at United, he won multiple trophies, was twice named Player of the Season, and finished as the top scorer in both the EFL Cup and the Europa League. He received high praise from global football experts, was considered one of England’s brightest talents of the 2010s, and was even awarded an MBE.

However, it was recently confirmed that United and Aston Villa agreed on a deal that will see Rashford join the Birmingham club on loan until the end of the 2024/25 season, with an option to buy for €40 million. Interestingly, Rashford did not seem disappointed about the move.

"I was lucky that several teams showed interest in me, but choosing Aston Villa was an easy decision. I’m just impressed with how Villa is playing this season and the ambitions of their head coach," Rashford told Sky Sports.

Reports also emerged regarding the player’s salary, with Aston Villa set to cover the majority of it — between 75% and 90%. Rashford currently earns around €390,000 per week.

A Quiet Winter Window with One Loud Move

One notable trend in this winter’s transfer window was that Europe’s top clubs were reluctant to spend big. Apart from Manchester City, most teams either made targeted signings within market value or opted for loan deals. In fact, loan moves accounted for nearly one-third of all transfers in Europe’s top five leagues. Rashford’s case is no exception.

His move to Aston Villa might not be the biggest transfer of the winter window. January and February saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia move from Napoli to PSG for €70 million, Leipzig pay PSG €50 million for Xavi Simons, and, on deadline day, Manchester City splashed €60 million on Porto’s Nico González (despite his market value being just €18 million). However, Rashford’s transfer has certainly been one of the most controversial.

How Rashford Fits into Aston Villa’s System

In the 2024/25 season, Aston Villa has been playing an exciting brand of football. In their 24 Premier League matches, Unai Emery’s side has failed to score in only six games, averaging nearly 3 xG per match — ranking fifth in the league. Of course, Villa has its issues, particularly in away games, where they have managed just four wins in 12 matches. Currently, they sit in a well-earned eighth place.

Meanwhile, their Champions League campaign has been promising. During the group stage, Villa defeated Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig, drew with Juventus, and suffered just two narrow defeats. As a result, they secured another eighth-place finish and a direct ticket to the tournament’s Round of 16. But how does Rashford fit into this squad?

Villa often plays in a 4-2-3-1 formation (with occasional shifts to 4-4-2 using two defensive midfielders). Their goals mainly come from central strikers, with right-winger Morgan Rogers also contributing significantly. Most of these goals originate from the flanks and fast counterattacks, rather than solo runs from midfielders deep in the pitch. Emery has structured the team around its strengths and capabilities.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Unai Emery personally approved Rashford’s signing, meaning he has a clear plan for using the winger. However, Rashford is unlikely to be a starter right away. He will need time to regain his form, having not played for United since December after being sidelined by head coach Rúben Amorim.

The Rashford Controversy

His suspension from United was surrounded by controversy. Initially, reports emerged that Rashford had been seen partying in nightclubs and bars 48 hours before a match — something he later denied when speaking with Amorim. However, he was still dropped from the squad. Later, reports surfaced that his training performances were also below par.

Amorim addressed the situation himself:

"I speak with Rashford every day. We talk not about interviews but about performances. This is my decision, and mine alone. I try to do things my way because I know why I do them. If I don’t stick to my approach, I will lose myself. What does Rashford need to do to get back in the squad? Do everything possible to become the best. For me, this situation is not a distraction. All the players know what I want from them, including Rashford. It may be a problem for the team. It may be something the media focuses on. But that is not my concern."

Interestingly, Rashford’s move to Aston Villa contradicts his previous statements that he would only ever play for Manchester United in England.

"Marcus always said he would never play for another English club because he’s a Manchester United fan. He was already considering a move to a major European club at the start of the season. But he didn’t generate the interest he had hoped for. Aston Villa first showed interest in him back in November. Meanwhile, Amorim made it very clear that Rashford had no future at Old Trafford," a source from Manchester United told The Sun.

What’s Next for Rashford at Villa?

At Villa, Rashford is likely to be used as an explosive winger for rapid counterattacks. Another option is to deploy him as a dribbler, allowing him to take on one or two defenders before cutting inside and creating space for teammates on the flanks. This could lead to crosses into the box for Villa’s prolific strikers. For Emery and his tactical setup, this will not be a simplification. Villa already plays a relatively straightforward brand of football, and adding Rashford’s versatility could be an asset.

Ultimately, this move benefits Rashford. He will get playing time, regain his form, and return to the Champions League, a competition he has not played in since November 2023. A national team recall is also a possibility. And if he thrives, perhaps he could even contemplate a return to United — provided Amorim departs.

Published by Patrick Jane
05.02.2025