Aston Villa Dealt Major Marcus Rashford Blow as Man United Set £60m Price Tag – Report | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford Transfer Saga: Man Utd’s Price Tag Hike and Aston Villa’s Dilemma

Manchester United’s decision to significantly increase their asking price for Marcus Rashford has sparked plenty of debate in the football world. As reported by 90min, the Red Devils are now demanding a staggering £60m from Aston Villa to make Rashford’s loan move permanent, a far cry from the previously rumoured £40m option.

Rashford, who joined Villa on loan in January, has yet to score a goal under Unai Emery’s stewardship, leaving many questioning whether the club will be willing to commit to such a hefty transfer fee. There are conflicting reports over whether Villa indeed hold a purchase option of £40m, with The Star claiming otherwise. According to the publication, there is ‘no way back’ for Rashford at Old Trafford, and United are eager to generate as much revenue as possible from player sales this summer.

However, TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Fraser Fletcher has disputed The Star’s claims, suggesting that United could struggle to command even the £40m fee, let alone the newly quoted £60m. Fletcher asserts that Villa’s deal does include a £40m option, and there remains uncertainty over whether the club will activate it.

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Rashford’s Form and Villa’s Dilemma

Despite his lack of goals, Rashford’s impact on the pitch should not be overlooked. His work rate and link-up play have garnered praise from the Villa faithful and management alike. Emery is reportedly content with Rashford’s performances so far, but a consistent run of good form is essential if Villa are to consider meeting United’s revised demands.

The primary concern remains whether Villa should be expected to pay £60m for a player who has yet to hit the heights expected since his arrival. Villa are understandably cautious, particularly with the need to strengthen other areas of the squad ahead of the next campaign.

Rashford’s Future: LaLiga or Villa Park?

There is also the looming spectre of Rashford seeking a move abroad, with sources suggesting that the 27-year-old could be enticed by the idea of playing in LaLiga, with Barcelona touted as a potential destination. The player himself has made no secret of his ambition to test himself in a foreign league, and this could play a crucial role in how the situation unfolds.

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If Rashford does indeed favour a move to Spain, it leaves Villa with a decision to make sooner rather than later. United’s apparent desire to cash in while the player still holds some market value means they may be willing to negotiate, particularly if Rashford’s form does not improve before the end of the season.

Will Villa Match the Asking Price?

For Aston Villa, the conundrum is clear: risk splashing £60m on a player who is yet to prove himself in the Midlands or look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements. The debate is already dividing opinions among the fanbase, with some arguing that Rashford still has the quality to make a long-term impact, while others feel the fee is far too excessive given his current form.

Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that United are aiming to drive up the price in a bid to balance their books. Whether Villa are willing to match that figure remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the saga is far from over.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Aston Villa fans have every right to be sceptical of the rumoured £60m price tag on Marcus Rashford. Given his inconsistent form and failure to find the net so far, it would be a huge gamble to commit that kind of money. While Rashford undoubtedly has the talent to be a top performer, his struggles in recent seasons at Manchester United are hard to ignore.

There is also a sense among the fanbase that £60m could be better spent elsewhere, particularly when Villa’s squad still needs investment in midfield and defensive areas. The club’s cautious stance is understandable, especially considering Rashford’s interest in moving abroad.

Ultimately, if Rashford can prove his worth with a string of strong performances before the end of the season, there may be a case for meeting United’s demands. However, if his form remains patchy, it would be wiser to let him go and pursue more reliable attacking options.