Aston Villa undecided on £40m Marcus Rashford as Man Utd consider replacements

Manchester United have identified three potential replacements for Marcus Rashford, should the forward leave Old Trafford this summer. Aston Villa are yet to confirm whether they will activate their £40 million buy option for the 26-year-old, who remains hopeful of a future move to Barcelona.

Rashford, currently on loan at Villa, has recorded three goals and five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions since his January switch.

While Villa manager Unai Emery has praised the England international's performances, he acknowledged that a permanent transfer “depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks.”

The Birmingham club’s hesitation comes amid Rashford’s standout display in the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, where he created the most chances and completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch.

His contribution to Ezri Konsa’s goal briefly revived Villa’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite his resurgence, Rashford’s future remains uncertain. Sources suggest that he still harbours ambitions of joining Barcelona, a move that had been discussed before his mid-season switch to Villa Park.

Back at Manchester United, manager Ruben Amorim and the club hierarchy have begun drawing up contingency plans. Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Wolves' Matheus Cunha, and Ipswich striker Liam Delap are being considered as part of a summer rebuild.

United staff have expressed mixed feelings about Rashford’s trajectory, with many internally disappointed at how his time at the club unravelled. His January exit was viewed as necessary, offering him a break from the scrutiny and lifestyle in Manchester.

Rashford's revival at Villa has not gone unnoticed. Former United striker Wayne Rooney praised the forward’s ability and impact, stating: “He wants to play for Manchester United, 100 per cent. He's a Manchester boy, but he needed to play.”

Amorim, however, previously cited attitude issues as a reason for Rashford's loan move. “I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” the manager said earlier this season.

Talks between Rashford and Amorim are expected at the end of the season. Whether those discussions lead to a reintegration at United or a permanent exit remains to be seen. In either case, Rashford’s performances have ensured he will not be short of suitors this summer.