Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United after loan spell with Aston Villa

Manchester United's tumultuous season has concluded, and so has Marcus Rashford's time with Aston Villa. The 27-year-old forward shined in his loan spell, producing four goals and five assists across all competitions.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, "Marcus Rashford will return to Man United after a loan to Aston Villa and will be available for €40 million this summer."

In February, United agreed to terms with Villa on a loan deal for Rashford, which included a €40 million ($45.5 million) buy option and Aston Villa covering 75% of Rashford's wages. Because of Villa's willingness to cover the bulk of the winger's finances, there was no loan fee.

Essentially, it was more important for United to offload Rashford's lofty finances than negotiating a fee that would benefit them upfront. Rashford was earning $300,000 per week on his contract, which will expire June 30, 2027.

Rashford's strained relationship with manager Ruben Amorim upon the former Sporting Lisbon boss' arrival at Old Trafford led to the winger's playing time vanishing.

Once Amorim took over following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, Rashford contributed three goals and no assists in five league matches. Across those games, Rashford played a full 90 minutes only once, and he came off the bench in the final two games before leaving.

With the Premier League season officially over, Rashford is set to return to Manchester but is still available for sale. The asking price is the same as the buy option clause in the loan contract Aston Villa agreed to during the winter transfer window (€40 million).

With Villa failing to qualify for the Champions League next season, Rashford may be less interested in signing a deal with the club.

Staying at United seems unlikely unless tensions ease, but the club and manager have seen enough in training sessions, and on-field production suggests otherwise. Both sides should move on with a new club entering the equation for the talented but flawed forward.

In recent memory, players who leave Old Trafford tend to find more success in their subsequent situations. For example, Scott McTominay was heavily scrutinized during his tenure with Manchester United. 

The 28-year-old midfielder departed for Napoli last summer and was a key cog in the team being crowned as Serie A champions. McTominay had 12 goals and six assists in the top Italian league.

Rashford looked like a different player once he was no longer under the dark cloud of Manchester United. As for the club, it has gone over half the season without Rashford. Replacing him should not be part of the equation in the summer transfer window.

Instead, United should focus on bigger issues, including a goalkeeper, right-wing back, defensive midfielder, striker and another No. 10 alongside Matheus Cunha, whom United recently bought from Wolverhampton.

All of those positions won't be addressed in the summer, but it is evident that there are more dire problems for United.

Rashford has already become an afterthought with United, and the club will be focused on bringing in players who want to be part of the solution moving forward.