Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly made a final decision on whether he plans to re-integrate Marcus Rashford into his squad this summer.
The pair's relationship quickly broke down following the Portuguese's arrival at Old Trafford, which led to Rashford being frozen out of the squad after revealing his desire to leave.
However, the 27-year-old has rediscovered a strong vein of form on loan at Aston Villa, and his exploits in the West Midlands earned him a route back into the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Rashford was given the nod on the left-hand side for Friday's 2-0 World Cup 2026 Qualifying win over Albania, although Tuchel admitted at full time that he was underwhelmed by his performance.
Aston Villa possess the option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for £40m this summer, although his impressive form at Villa Park has raised hopes that there could be a lifeline for him at Man United.
Amorim 'will not' welcome Rashford back this summer
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However, the Daily Star reports that Amorim will not be welcoming Rashford back into the team with open arms this summer, and the Red Devils will instead try to offload him permanently.
While Rashford has made a positive impression during the earliest weeks of his Villa spell, he is yet to find the back of the net for Unai Emery's side, instead providing four assists in nine games.
At the same time, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are flattering to deceive at the tip of the Man United attack, managing just three Premier League goals each in the 2024-25 season.
As a result, Man United will hope to use the money used from Rashford's sale to bring in a new marquee number nine, with Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres still said to be their leading candidate.
Even though Villa's option to buy Rashford is said to be £40m, the report adds that Man United instead want to raise their asking price to £60m on account of his eye-catching displays in a claret kit so far.
The England international is poised to leave boyhood club Man United after amassing 138 goals and 64 assists in 426 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, winning six trophies including the Europa League and two FA Cups.
Could Rashford have any other escape routes?
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Rashford might be looking more like his old self again under Emery, but it was always difficult to envisage the attacker being given a second chance by Amorim, as their quarrels are clearly deeper than just the 27-year-old's technical ability.
Aston Villa could be forgiven for turning their nose up to a £60m fee, though, especially when the original agreement was said to be for £40m, and it remains to be seen whether the Lions are still open to doing business for that figure.
Rashford should not be short of options if Villa do opt against a permanent swoop, and the Englishman is always believed to have had a yearning to play in La Liga with Barcelona, although their own financial woes may jeopardise a deal.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea were also linked with Rashford in the past, and the former could arguably do with another left winger, albeit not for the £60m quoted as Mikel Arteta prepares to spend big on a striker.
Ben Knapton
