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Marcus Rashford responds after transfer decision confirmed as Manchester United links remain

Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United after Aston Villa opted against triggering his buyout clause

Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford responded after his Manchester United return was confirmed.

(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has responded to the news that Aston Villa will not be triggering his buyout clause, following his loan spell at Villa Park. It was confirmed on Monday that the 27-year-old won't be making his move to Villa Park permanent after making 17 appearances following his cross-Premier League switch in January.

By not triggering his buyout clause, Unai Emery's side will avoid spending £40 million on Rashford's services. However, the future of the England international at Old Trafford remains uncertain amid speculation about a potential exit.

The MEN reported last month that United are preparing for the possibility of sending the academy graduate out on a season-long loan, with Rashford looking to join a Champions League club.

Senior figures at Old Trafford expect him to move abroad, but Rashford hasn't ruled out a move within the Premier League, although approaches from Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been turned down.

Taking to Instagram, the official Aston Villa account confirmed the departure of Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause following the expiry of their contracts, as well as their temporary additions who returned to their parent clubs.

"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," the post read.

Among those who liked the post was Rashford, who netted four goals during his stint in the Midlands.

In an earlier statement, Villa wrote in a statement: "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.

"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."

Barcelona have been one of the clubs linked with his services and Rashford expressed his hope to play alongside Lamine Yamal.

"Yes, for sure, everyone wants to play with the best," he 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."

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