Marcus Rashford is cutting a far happier figure for Aston Villa than he showed over the past 18 months at Old Trafford.
Having departed Manchester United on loan in January, there has been plenty of eyes watching how the Carrington academy graduate would fare.
Marcus Rashford has not been at his best for the Villians, yet has shown glimpses of his old self with three assists in eight games across all competitions.
Rashford has been on a creative hot streak for Villa, which has delighted Unai Emery as Villa weighs up whether they will trigger the £40m option to buy included in the agreement with United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suggested he is happy for Rashford to be happy again but ultimately has gotten behind Ruben Amorim in the matter.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford could be in line for £20m pay-off
Despite agreeing to go out on loan, there are still hurdles for Rashford to overcome in his efforts to permanently depart the club this summer.
While much depends on whether his performances can tempt Villa to part with £40m to sign him, now it is revealed his exit could cost United heavily.
£40m profit on selling Rashford would do wonders for United’s finances, but the Daily Mail has now reported that there is more to this deal.
More United News
It is claimed that if Rashford does leave permanently, United will have to give the forward a pay-off, to account for his drop in wages from the ludicrous £300k-a-week contract at Old Trafford.
The report adds that this fee could be as much as £20m, a figure that would effectively be half the amount received for Rashford.
£20m blow to Manchester United’s already perilous finances
This summer, United need all the pennies and pounds possible, in a bid to turn the tide on the financial ruin that the club was headed for.
Speaking on The Overlap on Monday night, Sir Jim Ratcliffe explained that United have outspent the earnings by £100m in each of the last few years, which would have seen the club run out of money in the winter of 2025.
This explains the magnitude of the situation at United and how pivotal it is that Ineos get things right, to let the club turn a corner.
Recruitment will play a big part, but with United already committed to spending £89m this summer, a transfer budget will likely be on the small side.
So losing out on £20m would be a real blow for the club, something which some may suggest Rashford let the club off, knowing his boyhood club needs it.
After all, it was Rashford who decided to leave with his bombshell interview.