Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford (Image: Lars Baron/UEFA via Getty Images)
Aston Villa have confirmed that Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United after his loan spell at Villa Park ended on Monday.
The 27-year-old made 17 appearances for Unai Emery's side after joining on loan from United in January.
However, the west Midlands outfit have opted against triggering the £40m clause in the forward's loan deal to make his stay at Villa Park permanent.
In a statement released on Monday, Villa confirmed that Rashford, along with fellow loanee Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi, is set to return to his parent club.
"Aston Villa would like to thank Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause following the expiration of their contracts, as well as our loan players as they return to their respective parent clubs," said Villa.
"Goalkeeper Olsen joined Villa in 2022 and made 22 appearances for the club, proving a popular member of the dressing room. He joins Swedish side Malmö FF.
"Like Olsen, defender Hause initially arrived at Villa Park on loan in 2019, helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League via the play-off final at Wembley, before making his move permanent. He appeared 55 times for the Villans, scoring four goals.
"Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Axel Disasi each joined Villa in February on loan deals until the end of the 2024/25 season.
"Attacking midfielder Asensio enjoyed 21 outings in claret and blue, scoring eight goals, including three across both legs of our UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Club Brugge.
"Forward Rashford made 17 appearances for the club and registered a total of nine goal contributions across all competitions, bagging a brace in our FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End.
"Defender Disasi arrived from Chelsea and made 10 appearances for Villa, his first coming against Ipswich Town in mid-February.
"Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank each of the players for their efforts and amazing commitment to the club and wish them all the very best for the future."
Rashford has been linked with a move to La Liga champions Barcelona. Earlier this month, he admitted he would be keen on linking up with teen sensation Lamine Yamal.
"Yes, for sure, everyone wants to play with the best," Rashford told Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz. "Hopefully... we'll see.
"[It is] difficult to put into words what he is doing. He is not supposed to be doing that at 16-17 [years of age]. We have not seen that before. It is a skill to be able to play at that age with that mentality."
Rashford has three years remaining on his current deal at Old Trafford.