Marcus Rashford set for awkward Man Utd encounter after transfer statement released

Marcus Rashford is bracing himself for an unwelcome return to Manchester United after Aston Villa issued a statement confirming that they are not signing him on a permanent basis. The United forward spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Villa, netting four times before an injury cut his campaign short.

Villa had the opportunity to secure the 27-year-old England ace for £40million following his loan spell, but have opted not to take up this option. Rashford is among five players let go by Villa - leaving him facing a potential return to United and a reunion with manager Ruben Amorim, with whom he had a falling out last season.

Amorim left Rashford out of United's matchday squad for their 2-1 victory over local rivals Manchester City last December, and there was no way back for the striker, who was subsequently loaned out.

However, with Villa deciding against signing Rashford and no other clubs coming close to meeting United's £40m asking price or even suggesting a loan deal, he looks set to return to his childhood club.

United are due to start pre-season training on Monday, although as usual, it will be a phased return for the squad, meaning Rashford may not rejoin until later in the week.

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But if Rashford's agents and United can't find him a new club or at least one willing to take him on loan next season, then he will have no choice but to awkwardly report back for training under Amorim, despite not being part of his future plans.

In addition to Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi are returning to their parent clubs, PSG and Chelsea respectively, after spending the latter half of last season on loan at Villa.

Villa have also announced that goalkeeper Robin Olsen and defender Kourtney Hause have departed the club as free agents, following the end of their contracts.