United View: Marcus Rashford departs for Old Trafford

For the first time since he was 12 years old, Marcus Rashford will play for a team that isn’t Manchester United after signing for Aston Villa on loan.

Even though Rashford departing this window was a very likely outcome, seeing him wearing another club's colours is a surreal feeling.

The 27-year-old has not featured for United since being dropped for the Manchester Derby back in December, with concerns from Ruben Amorim about his training levels and professionalism. A move abroad would have been preferred but with options few and far between, United had to accept a switch to a Premier League club.

Aston Villa had just sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr for around £64million and were needing to strengthen their attacking line. Meanwhile their manager, Unai Emery, believes he can get the best out of the out of sorts forward, having already nurtured the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn to reach their highest level.

The Midlands side will have a £40million option to buy in the summer, which will help ease the Reds PSR concerns. Which would make Rashford the second academy graduate in as many seasons to be sold to ease the club’s financial situation after Scott McTominay also departed last summer.

Rashford has been a polarising figure at Old Trafford for many years since breaking through as a teenager with a brace on his debut - capable of producing moments of brilliance but at times has come under intense scrutiny for his performances and behaviour off the pitch.

One can only imagine the pressure and difficulties of being a Mancunian playing at Manchester United in this era. There were times in his United career when Rasfhord would play through injury, postponing surgery due to issues in the squad. Then again, it’s hard to excuse some of his behaviour.

If Amorim believes he wasn’t giving his all in training, the fans will have to take that at face value and for everyone a move away from his boyhood club is most likely for the best. A chance for the English international to escape the microscopic lens that playing for Manchester United unfortunately comes with and get back to his shining best.

United have been making moves of their own in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu from Italian side Lecce for close to £25million. The Danish international is expected to come in a left wing back – an area the Reds have struggled to appropriately fill – offering pace and good ball carrying skills.

There is also the addition of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, a left footed centre back, who made his first team debut for the Gunners back in October. The 18-year-old is being considered a first team signing, potentially being used as a breakthrough talent.

However, with Lisandro Martinez looking to have suffered a long-term knee injury, Heaven may find himself getting more minutes than originally anticipated.

With two forwards already leaving Old Trafford this window, United were looking to add further options to their attack. A loan move for Mathys Tel fell through after United and Bayern failed to agree on the terms of the deal. Instead, the Frenchman will join Spurs on loan.

United are said to be ‘relaxed’ about no incoming forwards this window, wanting to move away from the panic transfers that have got the club into the position it finds itself in currently. While it’s a more mature approach to business, United could have done with more firepower up top, having only scored 28 goals in the league.

It’s clear that it’s going to be case of surviving the remainder of the season and rebuilding again in the summer. Perhaps a run in the FA Cup or Europa League inject some much-needed life into Swhat’s been another painful campaign.