Marcus Rashford reportedly refused a particular 'request' from Manchester United ahead of his loan move to Aston Villa.
Rashford, 27, was confirmed as an Aston Villa player ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday having fallen out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim.
The England international had not featured in 11 of the club’s last 12 matchday squads.
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Rashford will, no doubt, be hoping he can rejuvenate his career at the West Midlands club and gave his thoughts on his move when speaking to Villa TV yesterday.
“It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to join the team and help them keep pushing forward,” said Rashford.
“I’m excited, can’t wait for the first training session and obviously the first game.
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“(Unai Emery is) a top manager and what he’s done at the club since he’s come to Villa is unbelievable.
“It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive, and it’s why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year, and that’s what the team has been doing and are doing this year.”
Rashford was linked with several clubs such as Napoli, AC Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund before he opted for a loan move to Villa.
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It was thought that his £325,000 per week wages were a sticking point in negotiations. According to The Athletic, United attempted to “persuade” Rashford to “sacrifice” at least some of his wage packet to facilitate a move.
However, it is claimed that Rashford “wanted his contract honoured” and was not willing to see his hefty salary cut.
Villa have agreed to cover 75 percent of his wages, which could rise to 90 percent based on performance-related bonuses while United will pay the rest, meaning the player will receive his full wage.
His salary makes him Villa’s highest earner by a huge amount with Youri Tielemans, Emiliano Martinez and Boubacar Kamara second place on the club’s highest-earners list - all on £150,000 per week according to Capology.
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Rashford’s debut for Villa could happen this weekend as Emery’s side will face Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday 9 February at Villa Park.
Topics: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Champions League