MARCUS RASHFORD is holding out for Champions League football next season — in a blow to Aston Villa and Manchester United.
The forward’s loan at Villa Park has ended and he will not sign permanently after Sunday’s 2-0 loss at United saw them finish sixth in the table.
SunSport understands boss Unai Emery wanted him long-term after some impressive performances since signing in January.
But Rashford, 27, who is on Barcelona’s radar, wants to join a club in Europe’s elite competition.
And they are set to sign Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who will wear his old No 10 shirt.
Rashford loved his time at Villa, recapturing his appetite for football after a nightmare end to his Old Trafford career.
He contributed four goals and five assists in 17 games and earned an England recall.
But defeat at United saw them finish sixth, leaving their hopes of signing Rashford in tatters.
Villa would also struggle to finance a deal, with the final-day loss costing around £50million after being forced to settle for a Europa League spot.
United want to sell Rashford to help balance the books, allowing for a major overhaul of their squad and removal of his £350,000-a-week salary from their wage bill.
Rashford — who would cost around £40m — said farewell to Villa fans yesterday on Instagram.
He said: “It is a special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms.
“It is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”
Wolves star Cunha, 25, has a £62.5million release clause and the Brazilian will sign a five-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.
United are also keen on Ipswich striker Liam Delap, but he has the pick of several clubs.
They have identified Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as a possible alternative.
BrintonC
0
He wants the prize without doing the work...typically lazy Rashford!!!
Yukaceiknt
0
This Stupid Coach Ruben Amorim Don't Buly Rashford He Good Player At Aston Villa U Don't Disturb Him. You Stupid Coach U Always Don't Like Good Players At MU. When U Go Out From MU Than Only MU Players Will Play Good Game. U Are The Worst Useless Coach In EPL.
Touchplus
2
In a BLOW to MANCHESTER UNITED is a wrong statement. We showed him the door so how is it a blow to us??? This us lazy reporting 3.0
Naeailmnt
1
play and qualify a club for UCL before asking for UCL football. you are freaking greedy.
Naeailmnt
1
Him looking for a Champion's League football isn't a blow to Man United because we have already gotten rid of him.
Ramcimnors
1
Rasmus Ajilund should be chased away
Charlesugwu
3
They should buy more EPL players.
Kuhdiklmnz
1
join chelsea
Daphoenix23
2
You couldn’t play MAN UTD or VILLA into UCL spots but feel you deserve UCL football next season, it’s the arrogance to feel entitled… well when a UCL club doesn’t come knocking be happy on the bench at MAN UTD, the UCL games he played with Villa he couldn’t make any difference… no goals no assists no nothing…
Dutaimstu
1
It good to have ambition but need to be realistic on self limitation.A player who is too ambition and arrogant is destine to fall.
lavonado
2
That's greed Rashford, try to qualify a club for UCL before trying to hold out only for UCL football
Neadenpstu
1
He is not even good enough for League 2
Cap76
1
Looks like United need to bring there asking price down to get his wages off the books. Good luck
emondorock
2
He played for villa in CL did he step up get a goal or do something I didn't see. Delusional he is a middle table player? I'd rather have delap play at least these guys earn their stripes not like this £350 000 a week ponce.
wuzacloptz
0
[image]
this is bomb to any team that stand
darrenham
0
he will go psg
Nino_Luxury
1
This is what Chelsea should be diving into, not another M. Guiu like Delap
Mula0777
0
I hope dalot is among this overhaul
The_Red_DeviIs
2
The arrogance that he thinks he only deserves to play the in the champions league… How far this once humble man has fallen 😔
Beaacepz
0
Emchi
1
Okay
Headboy61
0
make Chelsea go for him