Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 29 April 2025 10:42, UK

Unai Emery appears unlikely to greenlight a summer transfer for Marcus Rashford when his loan from Manchester United expires.

The England international were absent from the squad on Saturday (26 April) as the Villans fell to a 3-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Wembley.

On the day, the B6 club didn’t show up and left the travelling fans embarrassed and enraged as every player failed to turn up against the Eagles.

Rashford was unavailable due to injury, and now it appears that Emery has made up his mind on his future ahead of the summer window.

Rashford issues outweigh positives at Aston Villa

There is no doubt that the 27-year-old has the talent to make him one of, if not the best, players at Villa Park moving forward.

With that being said, the Englishman never truly showed that class before picking up what could be a season-ending injury at this stage.

As a result, conversations surrounding a permanent move for Rashford have been rife in the Midlands, especially after he was spotted at the boxing after the semi-final defeat.

Questions were asked of the forward’s commitment as he took a seat to watch Chris Eubank Jr face off against Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

This wasn’t lost on former England coach Dave Watson, who was left baffled by the Man United loanee while speaking on the Football Fill-In (29 April).

He said: “Rashford, not in the squad, apparently, he got injured in training in the week. He’s not travelled with the team but manages to get to Tottenham for the boxing.

“It’s just not a good look, and those kind of things Emery will be thinking about the future.”

This was echoed by ex-United keeper Ben Foster, who believes the loanee causes issues that aren’t worth splashing £40million on.

He said: “He’s a £40m player but not for Villa. I don’t think he suits them. Marcus Rashford causes too much of a circus, there are always too many other stories going on.

“I just don’t think Unai Emery wants that. He’ll be able to spend £40m elsewhere and get better results in a bigger picture.”

Rashford could be done at Aston Villa

There is no doubt that the Red Devils star has plenty to offer at Villa Park, but has been unable to set the world alight in claret and blue.

With nine goal involvements in his 17 appearances, there is a case to suggest that he should be brought in on a permanent deal in the summer.

This is especially the case after Ollie Watkins drew a blank from the start at Wembley despite his prior “fuming” admission in B6.

Rashford looked to have created a superb bond with Marco Asensio, and it would be a shame to lose that moving into the new season.

With that being said, being seen at the boxing after such a damaging defeat isn’t a great look and maybe points towards where his priorities are.