As Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, former footballer Ian Wright has proposed a surprise destination for the England forward this summer.
Despite an ongoing loan spell at Aston Villa, Rashford’s next move could be one of the most talked-about transfers of the upcoming window.
Rashford’s Journey at Aston Villa
Rashford, who made his way from Manchester United’s academy, was loaned to Aston Villa on February 2, seeking a fresh start.
At Villa Park, he’s slowly rediscovered the form that made him one of England’s most promising forwards.
Under the management of Unai Emery, Rashford has cemented his place in the starting lineup, even forcing Ollie Watkins out to make way for him.
His standout moment came when he started in Villa’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, signaling his resurgence.
Uncertainty at Manchester United
However, Rashford’s long-term future at Manchester United remains up in the air.
His loan move came after a period of being sidelined under manager Ruben Amorim, leaving his relationship with the club in question.
There’s no guarantee he’ll return to Old Trafford and pick up where he left off, especially after being frozen out for a while.
Could Barcelona Be an Option?
Barcelona has also been mentioned as a potential suitor if Rashford decides against staying at Villa, but Ian Wright sees another, more intriguing option for the forward.
On the Ringer FC podcast, Wright suggested that Newcastle United could be the perfect fit for Rashford’s next chapter.
Wright’s Bold Suggestion
According to Wright, Newcastle should seriously consider signing Rashford.
He believes it would be a “dangerous” and “amazing” move, one that could significantly enhance the club’s attacking power.
“Rashford at Newcastle? That would be really good,” Wright stated, highlighting the potential of such a move.
Given the current attacking setup at Newcastle, this could indeed be an exciting opportunity for the England international.
Newcastle’s Current Attack Setup
Newcastle’s offensive lineup is already impressive, with Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes (or Anthony Gordon) providing width while Alexander Isak leads the attack.
Under Eddie Howe, the Magpies have thrived this season, winning the Carabao Cup and positioning themselves for a strong finish that could secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Rashford as a Key Addition
If Rashford were to join Newcastle, he could either play as a winger or serve as valuable backup to Isak.
With Newcastle’s aspirations to compete in the Champions League next season, Rashford might be keen to join a side that’s on the rise in European football.
Such a move could offer him the platform to take his career to the next level.
A Return to Manchester United? No Chance
When asked if Rashford could return to Manchester United after his loan, Wright was firm in his response: “Nope. No chance.”
His comments come after a turbulent period at United, where Rashford’s work ethic was publicly criticized by the new manager.
Following that, he was dropped from the squad several times before his January move to Villa.
Aston Villa’s Buy Option and Financial Concerns
Villa, who currently have a £40 million buy option in Rashford’s loan deal, aren’t obligated to activate it.
While Villa are reportedly covering 75% of his hefty £315,000-a-week wages, the club may still struggle to meet the full financial demands, especially with their current position in the league.
Villa’s Champions League qualification hopes are still uncertain, as they are currently in seventh place, just behind Newcastle, who sit in the fifth and final Champions League spot.
What’s Next for Rashford?
With the transfer window approaching, the coming months could determine where Marcus Rashford will play next season.
Whether it’s a permanent stay at Aston Villa, a potential move to Newcastle, or a return to Manchester United, the 2025 summer window promises to be an intriguing one for the forward.