According to reports, Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan in January with an option to make the move permanent for £40 million. However, Rooney, during Villa’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, insisted that the striker can still revive his professional career at United.

Rooney said: “Marcus Rashford 100% wants to play for Manchester United. He is a Manchester boy, a Manchester United fan, and has had a tough couple of years. He needed to play, and it was clear he wouldn’t get playing time at United until the end of the season. In an ideal world, he would love to leave a legacy at United. Whether that’s possible or not, I don’t know, but that’s what I’d love to see.”

Rashford left United on loan after a prolonged slump that saw him dropped by manager Rúben Amorim. The 27-year-old scored just 15 goals for United between August 2023 and his departure in January 2025 but has since regained his form at Aston Villa, scoring three goals and keeping Ollie Watkins out of the starting lineup.