Marcus Rashford faces awkward Man Utd reunion next week after Aston Villa reject transfer

Marcus Rashford is facing an unwanted return to Manchester United after Aston Villa passed up the chance to sign him permanently.

United striker Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa, where he scored four goals before injury brought a premature end to his campaign.

Villa had the option to sign the 27-year-old England star for £40million at the end of his loan agreement, but have chosen not to exercise that option.

Rashford is one of five players released by Villa – leaving the forward facing the prospect of a return to United and a reunion with boss Ruben Amorim, with whom he fell out last season.

Amorim dropped Rashford from United's matchday squad for their 2-1 win at local rivals Manchester City last December and there proved no way back for the striker, who was then shipped out on loan.

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But with Villa choosing not to take up the chance to sign Rashford and with no other clubs having made an offer close to United's £40m valuation or even put forward a loan proposal, he is set to return to his boyhood club.

United return for pre-season training on Monday, although as is always the case, it will be a staggered return for the squad, meaning Rashford may not start back until later next week.

But if Rashford's representatives and United cannot find him a new home or a club at least willing to take him on loan next season, then he will have no option but to return to training under Amorim, in whose future plans he does not figure.

As well as Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa and are going back to their parent clubs, PSG and Chelsea, respectively.

Villa also confirmed goalkeeper Robin Olsen and defender Kourtney Hause have left as free agents, following the expiry of their contracts.

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