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Villa Ready to Spend Big on Manchester United Star Marcus Rashford

3 minutes read
Neil Goulding
Neil Goulding
Senior Sports Reporter
Louis Hobbs
Sports Editor
England World Cup 2026 Camp

England World Cup 2026 Camp by Eddie Keogh - The FA | Getty Images

Aston Villa are prepared to spend big to land Manchester United star Marcus Rashford in one of the biggest deals of the summer transfer window, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Villa boss Unai Emery has identified the England international as one of his leading targets as he looks to drive the club forward following another outstanding season. 

Emery is a long-time admirer of Rashford and believes the experienced forward has the quality and pedigree to elevate Villa to another level.

The Midlands club have been fighting hard to keep hold of some of their biggest stars this summer, with significant interest in England playmaker Morgan Rogers and World Cup-winning Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez

Despite that uncertainty, Villa remain ambitious in the market and see Rashford as a statement signing capable of spearheading their next chapter.

Villa finished fourth in the Premier League last season and also enjoyed Europa League success, further strengthening their reputation as one of England's rising forces under Emery.

Rashford appears increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford despite having two years remaining on his current contract. 

BIG-EARNER

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to reduce the club's wage bill, and Rashford's reported £325,000-a-week salary makes him one of the highest earners at the club.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has already departed after reportedly earning around £330,000 per week, while further exits are expected as United continue their overhaul.

Rashford spent a decade as one of Manchester United's most recognisable stars, scoring 87 goals in 287 Premier League appearances and 138 goals in 426 matches across all competitions.

The 28-year-old was among the players deemed surplus to requirements during Ruben Amorim's reign and became part of the club's so-called "Bomb Squad", alongside Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Rashford already knows Villa Park well. He enjoyed a successful loan spell with Villa during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring four goals in 17 appearances and leaving a positive impression on supporters and coaching staff alike.

SPANISH SUCCESS

Last season, he spent much of the campaign with Spanish champions Barcelona, helping the Catalan giants lift the La Liga title and reach the Champions League quarter-finals. 

He scored eight league goals in 32 appearances and finished with 14 goals in 49 matches in all competitions.

With 72 England caps and 18 international goals, Rashford possesses the elite-level experience Villa are seeking. 

Still only 28, he has plenty of top years ahead of him, and Emery believes he could become the marquee signing to help Villa challenge for major honours once again.

With United eager to trim costs and Villa ready to flex their financial muscle, the race to secure Rashford's signature is gathering serious momentum.

Editor's Insight

Louis Hobbs
Louis HobbsSports Editor

Reports suggest Barcelona had a £30m buy option on Marcus Rashford, so the key issue isn’t a fee to Manchester United but his £325k-a-week wages. Aston Villa could afford the ambition, but the structure would need to be creative for this to work.

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Neil Goulding
Neil GouldingSenior Sports Reporter

Having written for national newspapers and respected publications for 25 years, Neil brings a wealth of experience as both a writer and journalist. In the past three years, he has done freelance work for BBC Sport.