Aston Villa dealt a big Marcus Rashford blow as Manchester United’s transfer decision made

Marcus Rashford might leave Manchester United permanently in the summer after joining Aston Villa on loan earlier this month.

Marcus Rashford is claimed to still want to join Barcelona, despite the Spanish club’s insistence that they were not anxious to sign him during the summer window.

Rashford, 27, does not look to have a future at Manchester United after being locked out by Ruben Amorim and agreeing to move on loan with Villa this month.

After his interim spell at Villa Park, the 60-cap England player is expected to reconsider his choices. And, while it is unclear whether Villa will make a permanent move, Rashford appears to still be interested in a move abroad.

The player’s representation held talks with Barcelona in January, and Rashford hopes to revive their interest by the conclusion of the season.

A source told The Sun: “Marcus is confident that if he rediscovers his form at Villa Park and starts bagging goals, Barcelona will revive their interest, especially as a transfer price has been established.

“It’s a huge incentive for him, which is good news for Villa. Now he just needs to get playing and start scoring.”

Intriguingly, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, said of the club’s interest in Rashford earlier this week: “It’s true there was talk of Rashford – but we weren’t desperately looking for a player either.”

While a move to the Nou Camp didn’t materialise mid-season, Rashford has looked promising in his two cameo appearances since joining Villa, who negotiated a £40million purchase option into the loan deal they agreed with United earlier this month.

He drew attention after coming on at half-time in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town on Saturday, and he even helped set up Ollie Watkins’ equaliser.

Rashford and the club’s other late signing in the window, Marco Asensio, were singled out for praise by Unai Emery during his post-match interview with Match of the Day for helping Villa win against Ipswich, who were reduced to ten men in the first half after former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe was sent off.

“Good impact and keep going now, try to fit in as best as possible,” Emery said of the on loan duo. “We are playing against Liverpool here. We lost some opportunities but of course we have to be consistent and hope we can react.”