Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa is set to end in disappointment, with sources confirming that the Manchester United forward is unlikely to feature again this season due to a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old sustained the injury during Villa’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace and is now facing a race against time to even make the squad for their penultimate Premier League fixture against Tottenham on May 18.
Marcus Rashford Aston Villa impact — and looming decision
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Since arriving from Manchester United in February, Marcus Rashford has made 17 appearances for Aston Villa, contributing four goals and six assists across competitions. Despite moments of genuine quality, his overall form has been patchy, and fitness issues have plagued his consistency.
Aston Villa hold a £40 million option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, but crucially, no decision has yet been made.
Rashford’s injury complications — coupled with Villa’s precarious position in the race for European qualification — mean the club’s hierarchy will weigh their final league standing and the player’s recovery before making a definitive call.
Rashford’s future preference: Champions League football
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Sources close to the player suggest Rashford is aiming to join a club competing in next season’s Champions League.
Rashford also reportedly believes he has no future at Manchester United under new boss Ruben Amorim, meaning a summer departure from Old Trafford looks highly likely — but perhaps not via Villa Park unless Unai Emery’s side can guarantee elite European football.
Villa currently sit seventh in the Premier League, and with Rashford sidelined, their challenge to finish in the top six becomes significantly harder.
Conclusion
Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa appears destined to fizzle out rather than flourish.
With fitness concerns clouding his final weeks and Villa hesitating on a permanent deal, the England international now faces an uncertain summer — one where his Champions League ambitions, injury status, and price tag will dictate where he ends up next.
For Aston Villa, the decision to trigger the £40m option looks less likely with every passing day.
