Marcus Rashford has reacted to Tammy Abraham's return to Aston Villa, just months after the Manchester United forward's own loan spell with the club drew to an end
Marcus Rashford adjusts his scarf
Marcus Rashford has wished Tammy Abraham well(Image: Thomas Eisenhuth - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford has told Tammy Abraham to: "Go smash it," with Aston Villa as the English striker makes his return to the Premier League. The Villans tied down the 28-year-old on a four-and-a-half year deal on Tuesday, paying Besiktas £18.25million for the pleasure.
Among the names who were quick to welcome Abraham back to the Premier League was Rashford, who took to Instagram to write: "Congrats, Tammy! Go smash it bro," as he was unveiled at Villa Park.
No stranger to the midlands, it comes as Rashford enjoyed a half-season loan with Villa at the end of 2024/25, flourishing under Unai Emery's tutelage and racking up four goals and six assists from 17 appearances. While the club had the option to make his move permanent over the summer, a deal ultimately failed to come to fruition, as Rashford returned to Old Trafford.
After realising he had no part to play in Ruben Amorim's plans, the 28-year-old assessed his options before securing a season-long loan with Barcelona. Like Villa's previous clause, the La Liga giants also have the option to make his move to the Camp Nou permanent this summer for around £30m.
Given Rashford has thrived under Hansi Flick this term, it's a possibility which grows realer and realer by the day. To date, Rashford has managed three goals and eight assists from 20 outings in La Liga alone, despite stiff competition for places in the form of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
However, with Amorim no longer a part of Manchester United and Michael Carrick taking the reins until season's end on an interim basis, there has been speculation that the Englishman could return to Old Trafford and revitalise his career this summer.
It's been a slow month for the Reds in terms of incomings and outgoings, with Carrick seemingly investing his time and energy to securing the best possible Premier League finish with his current crop, rather than dipping into the January transfer window.
However, that hasn't prevented the rumour mill from churning with regards to a summer shortlist - with the centre of midfield taking the brunt. Casemiro will leave United at the end of the season, which could leave United scrambling for a long-term replacement to the Brazilian powerhouse.
As a result, the club has been linked with a wealth of talent, from Brighton's Carlos Baleba to Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. While the club has also seen rumours of a shock move for Chelsea's Cole Palmer, with suggestions floating around that the Wythenshawe-born talent is unsettled and homesick in the capital, Liam Rosenior has worked to quash any speculation of an exit.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday evening looking to Chelsea's clash with Napoli in the Champions League, the head coach said: "It's simple: Cole's an incredible player like [Moises Caicedo] sitting next to me and many players in the group.
Tammy Abraham signs his contract
Tammy Abraham has signed for Aston Villa(Image: Neville Williams, Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
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"I'm not surprised at the timing (of the rumours). A new manager comes in and all of a sudden there's people are (looking to) unsettle. It's not true. Cole's here, he's very happy and I can't wait to see him on the pitch.
"There's no reason for an assurance (from Chelsea's directors). It's so unrealistic. It's come from nowhere, there's nothing in it. There's no reason to have the conversation, that's where I'm at.
"Cole is very happy. We've had numerous conversations with him on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him - because he loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.
"You can't stop speculation, but some speculation is so far from the truth, there's not point having any discussion about it."
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