Marcus Rashford is set to leave Manchester United this summer and the forward has been linked with a move to Newcastle, who will play in the Champions League next term
Tom Victor Senior Sports Journalist and William Morgan Reporter
01:14, 19 Jun 2025
Marcus Rashford speaking with Ruben Amorim
Marcus Rashford could have another shot at the Champions League(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United might just be the ticket for Marcus Rashford to make a Champions League comeback. The Manchester United striker's days at Old Trafford seem numbered, but his choices are slim.
Barcelona was believed to be Rashford's top pick, but the Spanish giants have their sights set on other players. Nico Williams and Luis Diaz are on their radar, with Williams appearing the more probable signing at present.
Rashford turned heads during his loan spell at Aston Villa in the latter half of last season. However, a return to Villa Park seems off the cards after Unai Emery's squad narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification on the season's final day.
It was Newcastle who clinched the Premier League's last Champions League berth, edging out Villa on goal difference. Now, according to the Sun, they could offer Rashford another crack at European football.
Marcus Rashford watching on, with a Newcastle United badge overlaid
Marcus Rashford might end up wearing the Newcastle United badge
The deal isn't cut and dried though. The same tabloid hints that Newcastle are angling for a season-long loan while his current club is keen on a full transfer, reports the Mirror.
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Rashford netted four times in 17 appearances for Villa, also setting up six goals. Two of those strikes came in the Premier League as Emery's team vied for a top-five spot, but a hamstring injury sidelined him for the season's closing matches.
"Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has ( injury aside) been an incredible few months for me," he penned on Instagram following the season's final weekend. "It is a really special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms from 1st minute on the pitch.
"Manager, team, and coaching staff have all been brilliant. I know it is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League place which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger."
Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
Rashford's contract with Manchester United runs until 2028, but it's unlikely he'll stick around. Back in December, when he last donned the Red Devils' shirt, he hinted at wanting a new adventure.
"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," the England star was quoted by Henry Winter.
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"When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to hear any sour grapes from me about Manchester United. That's just who I am.
"If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse. I'e seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person.
"When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me."