MARCUS RASHFORD is a late January target for Aston Villa – with a move to Barcelona looking increasingly unlikely.
The out-of-favour Manchester United striker has not played for the Red Devils since December 12.
GettyMarcus Rashford is being eyed by Aston Villa late in the transfer window[/caption]
Rashford has been linked with various loan moves away from Old Trafford during the ongoing window.
AC Milan, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were all interested in a temporary move for the England man.
Barcelona are still hopeful of signing the 27-year-old, who has spent his entire career with the United.
But Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages have proved a stumbling block in negotiations with the Spanish side.
The England striker revealed he was “ready for a new challenge” just weeks after Ruben Amorim took over in the North West.
And according to The Athletic, Villa are ready to swoop late in the window.
Unai Emery’s side are keen for reinforcements upfront to help out Ollie Watkins.
Jhon Duran is set for a £64million switch to Saudi club Al Nassr, while Emi Buendia has moved to Bayer Leverkusen.
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The report claims Rashford’s own preference would be a move to Barcelona.
But the Catalan giants have financial issues which could stand in the way of a loan deal.
The Man Utd star would reportedly “need some convincing” to head down the M6 to Villa on a temporary deal.
Rashford’s last appearance for United was in a Europa League game against Plzen almost two months ago.
He signed a five-year contract extension with the Red Devils in the summer of 2023.
A little over 18 months later, it looks unlikely he will play for the club again.
Man Utd ratings vs FCSB as Mainoo shines in new role but one team-mate struggles
KOBBIE MAINOO ran the show as Manchester United marched on in the Europa League in Romania.
SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson has given his ratings of the United players against FCSB…
Altay Bayindir – 6
He was often a bystander during the game despite the hosts often getting up the pitch.
Did show that he needs to work on his ball control with his feet with a few sloppy clearances.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Battled well at times as he took up the third centre-back role.
Did very little wrong throughout the match.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
Solid showing from the Dutchman in Romania who provided the muscle in the backline.
Lisandro Martinez 70′ – 6
Did well to help out in defence and keep the ball moving forward.
Although, he should never have been allowed to take a decent free-kick opportunity in the first half that he blazed over.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Out on the wing, Dalot struggled to have a good impact on the game and was caught out on occasion when needing to defend.
But proved crucial as he netted the opening goal with a tap in after making a good run at the back post.
Toby Collyer 45′ – 6
Made up one-half of Man United’s academy midfield duo and looked composed throughout the clash.
He did not let the occasion get to him, as he showed plenty of strength when required.
Harshly hooked at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
Excelled in a slightly more advanced role to Collyer in the midfielder.
Mainoo set up the opener with a cracking low cross to Dalot before scoring himself with a composed finish.
Tyrell Malacia 45′ – 5
Provided plenty of width in the left-wing-back role and whipped in a couple of decent crosses.
Was replaced at the break
Christian Eriksen 70′ – 6
Forced a decent save inside 20 minutes and linked the play between the midfield and final third.
Fell off during the second half and was replaced by Casemiro.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Had a couple of moans at the referee in the first half and was largely quiet.
Benefitted from the changes at the break as he had more natural attackers to link up with.
Rasmus Hojlund 80′ – 5
The misfiring striker put in plenty of effort as he was often making runs.
Had a decent chance with his head but failed to get enough power on it to trouble the goalkeeper.
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Amad Diallo 45′ – 6
Added a bit more threat on the wing after replacing Malacia.
Alejandro Ganracho 45′ – 7
Almost made an instant impact as he latched onto a loose ball but his effort hit the wrong side of the post.
Picked up an assist with a decent pass to Mainoo.
Leny Yoro 70′ – 6
Slotted into the backline to help see out the game.
Casemiro 70′ – 6
Dropped deep into the midfield and gave himself as an option for defenders to pass to do move the ball forward.
Joshua Zirkzee 80′ – 5
Did not get much of an opportunity to grab a goal.
Rashford has managed just four goals this season from 15 appearances.
And Amorim claimed last week he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over the wantaway forward.
Amorim said: “I’d put [goalkeeping coach Jorge] Vital on the bench before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day. I’ll not change in that department.
“It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training.
“The way that I see what a footballer should do in training, in life, every day. If things don’t change, I will not change.
“Same situation for every player — if you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.”
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