Marcus Rashford scored twice in Aston Villa's FA Cup last-eight win on Sunday
While Antony, another Man United exile, is also impressing during his loan spell
LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Why it makes more sense for Manchester United to sell Marcus Rashford
By CHRIS WHEELER
Published: 17:51 EDT, 31 March 2025 | Updated: 17:53 EDT, 31 March 2025
Ruben Amorim was reluctant to be drawn over whether Marcus Rashford and Antony could be given a second chance under him at Manchester United when their loan spells end this summer.
Rashford left United for Aston Villa in January after being frozen out by Amorim over his attitude in training. Under the terms of the deal, Villa are covering at least 75 per cent of his £315,000-a-week salary and have an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season for £40million.
The 27-year-old has rediscovered his form and regained his England place, playing against Albania and Latvia during the international break after being called up for Thomas Tuchel’s first two games in charge, and then scored his first goals for Villa in the FA Cup win at Preston on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Antony has impressed on loan at Real Betis in Spain after struggling to hold down a first-team place under Amorim.
However, the United boss was coy over the futures of both players when asked about them before Tuesday’s visit to Nottingham Forest.
‘I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the future in this moment. I just want to focus on the game,’ he said.
Marcus Rashford cooly converts a penalty for his second goal against Preston on Sunday
Ruben Amorim refused to be drawn on whether his exiled forwards might get another chance
Antony has looked like a completely different player since he joined Real Betis in a loan deal
‘I know Rashford really well and everybody knows the talent that he has. So I already spoke about that. He’s a top player, if he wants.
‘So I’m not surprised and it’s the same with Antony. It’s a good thing we see our players doing well on loan in a different context. That can happen. It’s a good sign for the club.’
Pressed on the issue, he replied: ‘Guys, let’s focus on the game. We are really happy for our players that are on loan doing well.’