Marcus Rashford makes final decision on joining Aston Villa from Man Utd and he won’t be changing his mind

The future destination of Marcus Rashford has been in doubt since he left Manchester United on loan to join Aston Villa in January.

Rashford has begun to find his feet again in a Villa shirt, starring in Premier League and Champions League matches as well as an FA Cup quarter-final that brought his first goals as a Villa player.

With Ruben Amorim apparently less than enamoured by the 27-year-old forward, the prospect of a permanent move away from Old Trafford is closer than ever.

His Man Utd contract runs to the summer of 2028 but all signs point to a move being the best outcome for Rashford, who will have his pick of interested clubs when the summer transfer window opens.

Villa have an option to buy Rashford for £40 million but the player has reportedly set his sights elsewhere.

“Marcus Rashford is willing to take a pay cut to seal a dream move to Barcelona and draw a line under his Manchester United career,” reports David McDonnell of the Mirror.

“Rashford is understood to have set his heart on joining Spanish giants Barca, knowing he has no chance of playing for United again while Ruben Amorim is in charge.”

He was linked with the Catalan giants as well as Paris Saint-Germain in January but a switch to Villa gave him a chance to resume his career in the Premier League.

Villa supporters have been pleased with his contribution, most notably a fine performance against PSG in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The loanee scored four goals and claimed five assists in all competitions before his season was prematurely ended last week by a hamstring injury.

Aston Villa forward Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United (Image: Getty)

“Medical teams from United and Villa are currently liaising over the extent of Rashford’s injury and anticipated recovery time frame,” continues McDonnell.

“Once that is clear, United will hold talks with Villa over Rashford, although the 26-year-old is not set to return to his parent club to undergo his rehab.”

It’s become increasingly clear that Rashford would be keen on joining Barcelona but little indication as to whether the admiring glances are mutual.

Barca are top of La Liga and boast an embarrassment of attacking riches despite their financial limitations.

Forking out for Rashford in their current situation and with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres already at Hansi Flick’s disposal would be a punchy move even for Barcelona.