Marcus Rashford is reportedly unwilling to accept a pay cut to leave Manchester United in advance of next season. The forward, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa, remains tied down until 2028 but has been linked with a summer exit. He has shown glimpses of brilliance during his time at Villa Park, chipping in with four goals and five assists.
Rashford’s future remains up in the air, having decided to leave on loan in search of a new challenge away from Old Trafford. He could still attempt to revive his career at United, given that he is under contract for another three years. Alternatively, he could push for a permanent exit in order to make a fresh start elsewhere.
Any club looking to sign Rashford will need to commit to paying his massive salary of around £315,000 per week. He is unwilling to entertain offers that fall below what he is currently earning at United, according to the Daily Mail.
The report adds that United are prepared to sell but will only consider bids that match their valuation. They are said to have placed a £40million price tag on their academy graduate, with any money earned through his exit going down as pure profit.
Villa have the option to buy Rashford for £40m when his loan deal expires at the end of the season. However, there is reportedly nothing to stop other clubs from buying him at the same price if United agree to the move.
There is also a chance that United could sanction another loan exit if they fail to find a permanent buyer. Rashford has already made it clear that he wants to join a Champions League club and is reluctant to sign for a team in London.
It comes after Express Sport reported that Rashford would be open to staying at Villa, having enjoyed his time working under Unai Emery. They would have to make him the club’s highest-paid player, given that he is unwilling to consider a pay cut.
Rashford may have already played his final game for Villa after picking up a hamstring injury last month. He is stepping up his recovery but faces a race against time to return before the end of the season.
The only remaining game that he is eligible to play in will be Friday’s meeting with Tottenham. Villa face United on the final weekend of the campaign and Rashford cannot be included in the matchday squad against his parent club.
