Marcus Rashford Bids Farewell to Manchester United Teammates as Aston Villa Move Nears Completion Before Transfer Deadline

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is nearing a loan transfer to Aston Villa, with the deal expected to be finalized before Monday's transfer deadline. Both clubs have agreed on terms, with Aston Villa set to cover a significant portion of Rashford's wages and performance-based bonuses. Discussions are also ongoing regarding an option for a permanent transfer. 

Rashford, 27, has been sidelined by United manager Ruben Amorim, having not featured in the team's last 12 matches due to concerns over his effort in training. In December, Rashford publicly expressed his desire for "a new challenge," further fueling speculation about his departure. 

Aston Villa emerged as a strong contender for Rashford's signature, especially after securing substantial funds from the recent £65 million sale of Jhon Duran to Al Nassr. The club aims to finalize the deal promptly to bolster their squad ahead of the season's second half. 

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has advised Rashford to seek a fresh start away from Old Trafford, stating, "For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club." 

The transfer window closes at 11 pm on Monday, leaving both clubs with a limited timeframe to complete the necessary formalities. Aston Villa is keen to integrate Rashford into their lineup as they prepare for the remainder of the season.