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      Why Marcus Rashford could be perfect fit for Aston Villa and how £25m Dorgu is exactly the player Amorim’s Man Utd need

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      IT was a hectic winter transfer deadline day for the Premier League and Europe as clubs scrambled to get deals done before the 11pm deadline on Monday.The saga of the window was Mathys Tel’s loan move to Tottenham from Bayern Munich which went through following a call from Ange Postecoglou after he had earlier rejected Daniel Levy.Marcus Rashford could prove to be a worthwhile gamble for Aston VillaCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialPatrick Dorgu should go straight into the Man Utd teamCredit: GettyMathys Tel can be a great signing for Tottenham thanks to his profileCredit: RexOther deals saw Manchester City take their January spending to more than £175million as they confirmed the arrival of Nico Gonzalez from Porto, while Evan Ferguson became the latest striker down at West Ham.There were also blockbuster deals completed before deadline day, including Manchester United’s acquisition of Patrick Dorgu and Aston Villa’s quadruple haul of stars including Marcus Rashford.But you may be wondering how these deals might change the tactical makeup of these respective clubs.Well fear not, because SunSport’s tactical guru Dean Scoggins is here to break down the nitty-gritty of the deals so you don’t have to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMarcus RashfordFormer England star Rashford was announced by Villa on the penultimate day of the transfer window.Unai Emery rates the 27-year-old highly, so much so that he has sanctioned Villa paying 75 per cent of his wages while also getting a £40m option to buy in the deal.This deal is intriguing to say the least, as Villa are one of the few teams he can fit into tactically.Some of the clubs he was linked to play short football round the edge of the area, but that is a style unsuitable for Rashford.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Aston Villa’s counter-attacking system should be a nice fit for both parties.Rashford has just shy of 200 goal contributions from his time at Man Utd, and it is a calculated risk from Villa to take on a fallen star who could reignite his stuttering career.Marcus Rashford says joining Aston Villa from Man Utd was an easy decisionSo with the extra additions of Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on deadline day, how could this all play into Villa’s system?The Midlands side are relatively normal in their set-up, which is a 4-2-3-1 that transitions into a box midfield in the opposition half.But what’s important for Rashford is how they seek to be lightning fast on the counter-attack after goading teams into pressuring them.The likes of the injured Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa play the ball around at the back while supported by so-called “press resistant” players in midfield such as Youri Tielemans.Aston Villa move to a box midfield when in the oppositions halfThis helps them to keep the ball and sustain attacksWhen the opposition press has pushed high, the defenders will then play fast and direct passes straight down the middle, which has worked to blistering effect against clubs such as Man City and Arsenal.Rashford’s role involves one of the wingers moving inside to a No.10 position on one side to receive the ball before playing another straight pass to a team-mate.His out to in runs have proven themselves effective at United over the years, and if they can be translated to Villa then they should work a treat with their direct style.Thomas Tuchel may even take some notes for his England squad, with the possible axis of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Rashford all working in tandem with their club side and on the international stage.In build up they look to bring the press on to themThe likes of Pau Torres or Ezri Konza play fast balls through the middle to get up fieldThis allows stars like Morgan Rogers to get on the ballRashford’s out to in runs could prove devastating for Villa on these attacksThis is not to mention new signings Donyell Malen, Asensio, and Jacob Ramsey, who all fit the profile Emery likes for his system.Off the ball, Villa will counter-press but are more than happy to retreat back towards their goal.Watkins’ hard work is key to this defence from the start, but some of the criticism levelled at Rashford by Ruben Amorim at Man Utd was due to a perceived lack of effort.That seems anathema to an Emery system, but Rashford seems to have convinced Villa and Emery that he will be willing to put in the hard yards to ensure their gamble pays off.Patrick DorguDorgu was a £25m plus £4m in add-ons signing from Ligue 1 side Lecce, identified to come in and fit the Amorim profile for a dynamic left wing-back.While at the age of 20 Dorgu has plenty of time to grow, he is tactically a perfect fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3.What the system has been missing is a ball-carrying attacker, with only Amad Diallo really able to fit that idea.Amorim’s system is built around players being able to carry the ball forwards and driving into space rather than relying on passing patterns.Dorgu’s key stats, including goals, progressive carries, distance travelled and the speed he does it at, he appears to be a tailor-made for Amorim’s system, a bit like Geovany Quenda currently at Sporting.At six foot two inches tall, Dorgu is almost a copy of a 17-year-old on the left-hand side.Dorgu has also showed his proficiency by scoring goals on the right side, meaning he is also a flexible asset for Amorim.Despite some possible defensive misgivings at Lecce, Dorgu should go straight into the Man Utd starting XI ahead of Diogo Dalot.Mathys TelHarry Kane gave a glowing review of Tel after his switch to Tottenham was announced, and he is certainly one of the most exciting talents in world football at the moment.Spurs have forked out a decent bit of dosh to get this deal over the line, including a loan fee of above £8m and paying his full wages.Tel is said to have been keen to move where he would get the most minutes, and with a loan to buy option also inserted into his deal it is a good move for all parties.For a forward, Ange Postecoglou style is more exciting than the likes of Man Utd – who were also interested in Tel – and Tel can ultimately fit the system very well.He is able to play anywhere across the attack, which will be a very useful addition to Spurs given their injury crisis.Tel is big, powerful, strong with both feet and importantly quick on the ball, attributes which are favoured by Postecoglou.There is no doubt he has bags of ability.But the main question mark will be how hard is Tel going to work in a notoriously high octane system at Spurs.Nico GonzalezFollowing their 5-1 defeat at Arsenal, Man City went out and splashed £60m on 23-year-old Gonzalez in the hopes they can alleviate the absence of Rodri.The tag of Rodri replacement places huge pressure on him, particularly in a team which has not performed at its best this season.No one in world football is as good as Rodri in that role, but if you are looking for a player around Europe to try and put into that profile, then Gonzalez certainly has that.Gonzalez, like previous names on this list, is a big, powerful and combative midfielder who is a strong runner and who always manages to get his toe on the ball.The La Masia graduate also has this dynamic ability to get his foot across to win the ball back before rolling to then drive the ball upfield.While a smaller player may be knocked off the ball, his size in itself is a key weapon in his locker.Gonzalez also likes to get in the box, so don’t be surprised to see him pop up in the attacking third at times.But ultimately he should go a long way to solving many of the structural issues City had against Arsenal.Evan FergusonFerguson is the 54th striker West Ham have signed under the ownership of David Sullivan.The 20-year-old was handed his debut at Brighton by Graham Potter, scoring six goals in 19 games in his breakout season.His main issues have come down to fitness, particularly with his ankles after missing 11 months out of the last 18 through injury, playing just 12 Premier League games this season before another knock.But tactically speaking, Ferguson goes against the grain of West Ham signings of the past where a big name forward was added without them really fitting the system.Ferguson is a nice all-rounder forward. He is a solid seven out of ten in several aspects, while too many other signings were too specialised at one thing.The Irish ace has been behind one of the most of tactically adaptable players you can find in Danny Welbeck, but with West Ham lacking a focal point for their attack Ferguson should improve them dramatically.READ MORE SUN STORIESJarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are both wonderful talents, but need a foil to play off of in the final third if they are to truly excel, like what the crocked Michail Antonio provided them with.If Ferguson’s fitness issues can be resolved, then West Ham fans have the right to be really excited about this deal.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Where Arsenal’s transfer window went wrong with Mikel Arteta more reliant on Havertz than ever and no back-up striker

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      BETWEEN now and May 25, Arsenal will be relying on Kai Havertz more than they wanted to.The January transfer window was supposed to bring relief to a Gunners squad stricken by injuries in attacking areas ahead of a daunting task of catching Liverpool in the Premier League title race.Mikel Arteta did not sign a striker in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyArsenal will now rely on Kai Havertz for the remainder of the seasonCredit: GettyOllie Watkins was one option for the GunnersCredit: PAInstead, it teased, it taunted, and ultimately, it disappointed with no incomings, only flirtations, for a variety of reasons.It leaves boss Mikel Arteta praying that his one and only fit striker in Havertz stays that way until their last Prem game of the campaign away at Southampton. An undeniably huge risk.Reach the Champions League final in Munich, and the German will be required again six days later, having already started 29 of Arsenal’s 37 games in all competitions so far this term.So, what happened this month? Why has Arteta opted for nothing over something with his squad teetering on the brink of collapse?READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTHE INJURIESBukayo Saka requiring hamstring surgery just before Christmas after hobbling off during the 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on December 21 was a big blow.But the turning point of this whole window for Arsenal was Gabriel Jesus’ ACL rupture against Manchester United in the FA Cup third round on January 12 – putting him out for most of 2025.Before then, Arteta was perfectly happy to wait for Saka’s return in early March, safe in the knowledge that he had two strikers in Jesus and Havertz to carry the burden until then.But the Brazilian’s woe was the turning point. From there, Arteta and the club’s hierarchy switched to potential targets, but it is fair to suggest they were already playing catch-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSUMMER PLANSWith time running out, Arteta revealed on several occasions that plans for the summer may have to be brought forward in order to bring in the right man in January.That came with complications. Tens of millions would be added on to any summer target they wanted to bring in six months early by selling clubs. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City The Arsenal manager also suggested he had been given “no guarantees” that their summer kitty would not be impacted by a winter splurge.As a result, it would not be worth spending money on a short-term “body” for the sake of it that would hamper what they wanted to accomplish in the off-season.With around £50m already put aside to bring in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – due to expiring contracts for Jorginho and Thomas Partey – there was not a lot of wriggle room, especially having passed on selling the likes of Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko this month.And then there was the added blow of Jesus’ injury – a player Arsenal potentially could have sold in the summer to offload his high wages for a replacement, but who now is likely out until Christmas.The decision was made to be financially prudent, especially with a domestic loan out of the question following temporary summer deals for Bournemouth’s Neto and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling.Come the summer, in Arsenal’s grand plan, they will now have options and financial flexibility when it comes to a new No9.MISSING EDUEdu left Arsenal for Nottingham ForestCredit: ReutersThis window was always going to be tough, especially without the man who had masterminded and pushed through so many of the club’s most important deals over the past few years.Edu resigned as sporting director on November 4 – a huge blow to Arsenal’s chances of recruiting in January, such was his aura and smooth-talking nature in meetings with players and agents.It also came just days before a crucial recruitment meeting in LA with owners Stan and Jose Kroenke.His No2 Jason Ayto stepped in as interim sporting director, with the club convinced they could muddle through without Edu, instead relying on a leadership team of Arteta, managing director Richard Garlick and executive vice-chair Tim Lewis.This appears to have backfired, with Arsenal falling short in this window when it came to timing and decision-making, while Ayto’s lack of experience and market nous was evident.Edu’s replacement will be ready for the summer, an appointment that cannot come soon enough.TOO LONG ON BIG TARGETSBenjamin Sesko was one of Arsenal’s big targetsCredit: ReutersArsenal were prepared for the possibility of needing a striker. The issue came in deciding how far to push and when to step back.The case of Alexander Isak was simple. Arsenal and Arteta highly rate the player, but there was thought to be zero chance Newcastle would let the Swedish star go, while their transfer valuation of over £100m was steep even for a summer bid, let alone January.But in Benjamin Sesko, it can be argued that Arsenal spent too long deciding whether to stick or twist. The Slovenian striker – rated at around £60m – is one they have targeted for the summer.Sesko, 21, has a gentleman’s agreement with Red Bull Leipzig that he can depart at the end of the season, having missed the chance to join Arsenal last term after signing a new long-term contract.Arsenal explored signing him this month, but realised Leipzig were incredibly unwilling given their own top four Bundesliga push, as well as demanding around £80m to even consider it.By the time Arsenal accepted defeat, it was late January, leaving them with limited options elsewhere.It must also be pointed out that Arsenal have spent time focusing on other positions for the future, including trying to convince Rosenberg midfield sensation Sverre Nypan, 18, to choose North London instead of Spanish side Girona – a deal that is not yet tied up.THE WATKINS TEASEArsenal saw a bid turned down for Ollie WatkinsCredit: PAArteta often spoke of being prepared with a list of targets, and deviating from those with a last-gasp bid on someone out of the blue would show they were becoming desperate.But when Arsenal were made aware of Aston Villa’s openness to sell Ollie Watkins, 29, halfway through January, a £45m approach was made nine days later.It was quickly shot down by Villa. They wanted £60m, while those in North London saw that as too hefty for a player turning 30 this year.It was hoped that Villa’s PSR worries would see them buckle, only for Jhon Duran to be sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr for a fee that could hit £71m.How aware Arsenal were of Duran’s future when approaching Watkins is unknown, but perhaps something the club – including Ayto – should have considered when spending valuable time on the negotiations.Desperation also came into play when Alvaro Morata’s name came up very late in the day, only for Galatasaray to show more conviction for the 32-year-old from AC Milan.NWANERI’S EMERGENCEEthan Nwaneri can fill the void left by the injured Bukayo SakaCredit: GettyArteta has been searching for a Saka replacement on the right wing for several weeks now, going through his options one by one to find the best solution.Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling were all tested, but it seems Ethan Nwaneri has proven to the Arsenal boss why he doesn’t need to splash the cash just yet.Since the turn of the new year, the 17-year-old midfielder has scored twice in the Prem – including a curling beauty in the 5-1 demolition of Manchester City – and once in the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three goals have come off the right – an invaluable option to have, one that Arteta could not have predicted he would possess given Nwaneri’s inexperience and youthfulness.Who knows, the injuries to Saka and Jesus may well be the making of Nwaneri in an Arsenal shirt, and he has not cost the club a penny. 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      Arsenal held transfer talks over signing forgotten Chelsea flop as Mikel Arteta scrambled to sign striker

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      ARSENAL reportedly held transfer talks to sign a forgotten Chelsea flop.The Gunners were on the lookout but failed to sign a striker in the January transfer window.Mikel Arteta wanted to sign a striker in January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe club held talks to sign Alvaro Morata on loan from AC MilanCredit: APGalatasaray beat Arsenal to the striker’s sigantureCredit: GettyThe club will continue to challenge for the Premier League title with Kai Havertz as the sole striker option.Mikel Arteta, however, did scramble to find a new striker before the winter window slammed shut.Despite links to stars such as Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins, the club came close to signing a former Blue.The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal held talks with the agent of Alvaro Morata during the trip to Girona last week.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe Gunners beat the LaLiga side in the Champions League but took the chance to explore some transfer business.The club spoke to the representatives of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.The stopper’s agent also represents Alvaro Morata.Arsenal were believed to be keen on a loan deal for the AC Milan star.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHowever, the North London outfit were beaten to the Spaniard’s signature by Turkish giants Galatasaray.Morata, 32, played at Chelsea between 2017 and 2020. Mikel Arteta enjoyed every minute of Arsenal’s thrashing of Man City But he was sent out on loan to Atletico Madrid for his final year after falling out of favour.Morata netted 24 times in 72 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.He joined AC Milan last summer and scored six goals in 25 outings before leaving for Turkey on loan.The Euros winner posted a sincere goodbye to the Milan fans on social media.He wrote: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wear this shirt.”Milan is an incredible club, even more so the people who work there. Thank you to everyone.” More

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      Marcus Rashford says he can win Champions League after ending Man Utd misery and leaving Amorim’s blundering revolution

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      MARCUS RASHFORD “can hurt teams” and help Aston Villa WIN the Champions League.In his first interview since leaving Manchester United to join the Midlanders on loan, the England forward revealed he is targeting the biggest prize in club football.Marcus Rashford has made a shock loanCredit: GettyRashford will wear the No 9 shirt — vacated by £70million Al-Nassr signing Jhon Duran — as he aims to revive his career under Unai Emery.He said: “Being back in the Champions League is hugely exciting. It’s the biggest competition for a club to be involved in, and they’re  always great nights.“We want to get as far as we can and if we don’t aim to win it, then we’re never going to win it.“I’m sure it will be a great experience for me playing for Villa in the Champions League.Read More Football“I know I can hurt teams and, when I’m at my best, decide football games.“That will be my  only goal, to help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history.”Rashford has  12 goals and three assists in 33 appearances for United in Europe’s elite competition.And Rashford will team up with Villa’s Paris Saint-Germain loanee Marco Asensio when they return to Europe in a last-16 tie next month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRashford, 27, said: “I’ve played a fair amount of games in the Champions League so I feel like I’m experienced and know how to handle those situations.“It’s my first time playing for another team but it’s been excitement, rather than being scared.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmer“It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to  help them keep pushing forward.”Villa are not paying a loan fee but have agreed to stump up at least 75 per cent of Rashford’s £325,000 weekly pay packet. That could hit 90 per cent if bonus targets are hit.Rashford can sign permanently this summer for £40m.He last played on December 12 and was accused by  Ruben Amorim of lacking effort in training.The 60-cap Three Lions ace believes he can take his game to a new level under intense Villa chief Emery.Rashford has left a Man Utd full of despairCredit: GettyRashford, who could make his Villa debut at home to Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday, added: “He’s a top manager and what he’s done with the club is unbelievable.“It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive. They are a club that’s in a good position in the league and they’re pushing to get higher.“We have a good, ambitious manager and great talent in the squad. I’ve had to choose somewhere  I feel my style of football is suited to, and  help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player.“I want to make the most of my time.”Asensio, a Champions League winner at Real Madrid, cannot wait to link up with Emery.The winger, 29, said: “Unai’s had a great career, he’s a top coach, he’s been key in me being able to come here because of his idea of how he wants to play football.“I love it, it suits me perfectly.”“I’ve got experience in these types of Champions League games. They are games that are decided based on small margins.”Villa are also set to agree a loan deal to take Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi for the remainder of this season.Emery feared he had missed out on the 26-year-old France international defender.Blues were not keen to strengthen a direct Champions League rival and wanted him to go to Spurs instead.However, the  £38.8m buy from Monaco in August 2023 dug his heels in.READ MORE SUN STORIESVilla are set to pay a £5m loan fee to land the centre-back, who starred for France at the 2022 World Cup.Meanwhile, Villa defenders Kosta Nedeljkovic, 19, and Sil Swinkels, 21, have gone to RB Leipzig and Bristol Rovers in respective loan deals.Ruben Amorim has so far looked powerless to stop United’s slideCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I spent 10 minutes with him…’ Gary Lineker reveals what Mo Salah said about Liverpool future as contract runs down

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      GARY LINEKER lifted the lid on what Mo Salah told him about his Liverpool future.The Reds hero, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season – alongside Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.Mo Salah talked to Gary Lineker about his Liverpool futureCredit: GettyThe Match of the Day host revealed the details of the private conversationCredit: PASalah can now negotiate a pre-contract agreement with a new club outside of the UK. He even admitted earlier in the season he is “more out than in” and that this is his “last year” at Anfield because there has been no update on an extension to his deal.Liverpool fans are desperate for a breakthrough to ensure Salah stays after 236 goals – including two at Bournemouth this weekend – and eight trophies in seven-and-a-half years.A move to Saudi Arabia continues to be on the cards after Al-Ittihad bid £170million for the forward in 2023. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd Salah’s recent conversation with Lineker will have done little to alleviate supporters’ fears. The outgoing Match of the Day host discussed his chat with the Liverpool star on his The Rest Is Football podcast. And it could suggest that Salah is leaning towards an exit.Lineker said: “He’s a lovely guy. I spent ten minutes with him when I went to visit Arne Slot [for a BBC interview].”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAlan Shearer replied: “Did you not get it out of him whether he’s staying or going or not?”And Lineker added: “He asked me, ‘How old were you when you finished?’Mo Salah calls out Jamie Carragher after Liverpool legend urged him to ‘take a leaf out of Virgil van Dijk’s book'”And I said, ‘Well, English football I finished when I was 32 and then I went to play in Japan for a couple of years.'”And he went, ‘Ah, you went for the money did you?'”And I said, ‘Well yeah I suppose so.'”And he went, ‘Yeah, I might do the same.’ Then he winked at the press guy that was there.”It was just a joke but he has got that cheeky sense of humour has Mo.”But Salah’s joke may have a hint of truth in it. Saudi chiefs are still determined to lure the Arab world’s greatest footballer to their mega-money league before he hangs up his boots.And they won’t want to wait any longer to sign their latest marquee transfer – and follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo. A whopping £65m payday for just two seasons in the desert is potentially on the cards to tempt Salah to the Saudi Pro League.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Turki Alalshikh, who has masterminded Saudi Arabia’s effective takeover of professional boxing, even fuelled speculation a deal could get done.He posted a mocked-up image of the two-time African Footballer of the Year in an Al-Hilal shirt.Turki Alalshikh posted this mocked-up image of Salah in an Al-Hilal shirtCredit: Facebook / TURKI ALALSHIKHFive Mo Salah strops at LiverpoolFive times things have got heated during Mo Salah’s Liverpool career.West Ham 2 Liverpool 2 – April 28, 2024Salah gets into a heated argument with Klopp as he refuses to shake the manager’s hand before coming on at the London Stadium.Liverpool 3 Sheffield United 1 – April 4, 2024Salah shakes his head as he is subbed off during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over the basement club.Chelsea 1 Liverpool 1 – August 13, 2023Salah storms off the pitch after being replaced on 77 minutes on the first day of the season.Brighton 1 Liverpool 1 – November 28, 2020Salah throws his arms up in the air and barely looks at Klopp after being subbed off. Brighton go on to equalise with a last minute penalty.Burnley 0 Liverpool 3 – August 31, 2019Salah gets in a public spat with Sadio Mane after failing to pass to the winger. Team-mate Roberto Firmino says the row had been brewing for some time.Read the full article from Jack Rosser More

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      Nottingham Forest terminate forgotten England star’s contract as he returns to parent club

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST have terminated James Ward-Prowse’s loan at the City Ground.The former England midfielder, 30, is now set to return to parent club West Ham.James Ward-Prowse has struggled for game time of lateCredit: RexWard-Prowse had signed for Forest on a season-long loan deal last August.But a lack of game time of late has seen him go back to the London Stadium.The 11-cap ace has not featured at all in Forest’s last four Premier League games.His last Prem start came against Arsenal all the way back in November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWard-Prowse remains under contract with West Ham until June 2027.He could now re-enter their plans under new boss Graham Potter.The Southampton academy graduate left St Mary’s for West Ham in 2023.Ward-Prowse had made 410 appearances for his boyhood club.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYHe then moved to West Ham in a deal worth around £30million.The set-piece specialist scored seven goals and laid on seven assists during his full campaign in East London.James Ward-Prowse shows his skills in England training He also played 10 times as the Hammers reached the Europa League quarter-finals.Ward-Prowse featured in Julen Lopetegui’s first game in charge last August, before being farmed out on loan. More

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      Marcus Rashford COMPLETES shock Aston Villa loan with view to permanent transfer to end Man Utd hell

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      MARCUS RASHFORD claims joining Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season was an “easy decision”The Manchester United forward, 27, agreed the switch after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.Villa unveiled Marcus Rashford late on Sunday nightCredit: GettyThe Villans could sign Rashford permanently in the summerCredit: Instagram / avfcofficialAnd Villa will have the option to BUY the Red Devils academy graduate come the end of the season.It’s understood they will have to shell out a cool £40million should they wish to permanently acquire his services.Rashford posted a message on Instagram, hailing the Villans’ style of play.He said: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.READ MORE ON MARCUS RASHFORD”I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision – I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.”I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”The Midlanders had announced the signing just minutes earlier by saying: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.”The deal to bring in Rashford is a major financial outlay.Most read in FootballThe forward fell out with Ruben Amorim and was banished from the matchday squadCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Villans are understood to be paying the majority of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week wages – which he’s unlikely to get should he permanently move to Villa park in the summer.Despite three goals in Amorim’s manager’s first two Premier League games, Rashford has not featured for his boyhood club since December 12.’It must be embarrassing,’ says Wayne Rooney as he opens up on seeing Marcus Rashford on visit to CarringtonA public bashing from Amorim has included the Portuguese chief saying he would rather put his 63- year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vita on the pitch instead of “a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day”.Now, though, he has sealed his short-term escape out of Old Trafford.The loan switch comes after Aston Villa sold Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for £64million.Rashford is keen to get his career back on track after a difficult few years under both Erik ten Hag and now Amorim.And the chance to play in the Champions League again will undoubtedly appeal.Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan were all linked with the United academy graduate – although his mammoth £325,000-a-week wages proved an issue.But now Rashford is staying put in the Premier League at Villa after the two clubs thrashed out a deal.After the blistering start, Rashford and the manager’s relationship soured when Amorim was told the striker had been out on a Friday night – less than 48 hours before the Everton game.He called the forward in for a meeting where Rashford denied the allegations – and they have not patched up their differences.Rashford then angered Amorim further by publicly revealing he is “ready for a new challenge” away from Old Trafford.The player reckons he has received unfair treatment – and there are thoughts there may have been orders from the top. A source told The Sun: “Marcus thinks Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants him out of the club and has basically told head coach Ruben Amorim to get him out.“He might just have met his match with Sir Jim.”Marcus feels like he is being picked on.“In the early days of training under Amorim, he was trying to learn new systems and other players were also struggling — but he was the one who was getting more vocal criticism.“He knows he needs to leave but he’s shocked that no big team has pulled out all the stops to get him.”There’s been interest but financially it’s a complicated deal and that’s put quite a few teams off.“Marcus has been left bewildered by how quickly his relationship with Amorim has disintegrated.”Ex-United stars Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes all weighed in on the Rashford debate before his loan was confirmed.Ferdinand suggested the player could look to sue Amorim for his comments while Rooney and Scholes both laid into the forward.Rooney said: “I went into Carrington on Sunday to take my kids to game day and Marcus Rashford was out on the training pitch with the fitness coach.”But he was right over towards where the parents were walking past for the kids’ games.”I looked at him thinking how embarrassing it must be for him as parents walked past. He’s there and all the parents are walking past him.Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude… the sooner he’s gone, the betterPaul Scholes”I was surprised when this started over two years ago, but now I’m not.”I’ve spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I’ve given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club.”Because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he’s not the same.”For him to have a fresh start, he needs to leave the club.”Scholes added: “I think Marcus has let a lot of people down with his attitude and I think that’s what the manager is trying to say.”You think of the young players coming through the team and think of [Alejandro] Garnacho.”They’re looking up to people like Marcus now and he’s 27, he’s clearly not training properly, he’s not living his life properly. They’re the examples these people should look at.READ MORE SUN STORIES”In a way, he’s saying he doesn’t want to be involved with the team and the fact of letting his teammates down, he should be banished from the dressing room.”If he’s in and around that and young people are seeing that as an example, the sooner he’s gone the better.”Rashford’s relationship with Amorim appears beyond repairCredit: GettyUnai Emery lost Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia in a big-money moveCredit: Getty More

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      Antony pops up with assist just 14 minutes into Real Betis debut as fans say ‘Man Utd were the problem’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED flop Antony has made an immediate impact during his loan stint with Real Betis.The winger joined United in 2022 following a whopping £86million deal with Ajax.Manchester United flop Antony registered an assist just 14 minutes into his Real Betis debutMan Utd fans suggested the club were the problem after Antony’s Betis debutCredit: AFPHowever, the Brazil international never lived up to his billing at Old Trafford as he only managed a mere total of 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances.Antony’s struggles continued this season and that led to him falling out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim.That is why the Red Devils offloaded the Brazilian to Real Betis on loan until the end of the season.And the ex-Ajax star hit the ground running on his first game with Betis in LaLiga against Athletic Bilbao at the Benito Villamarin.Read More on Man UtdManager Manuel Pellegrini named him in his starting line-up and the forward showed his worth just 14 minutes into his debut.Antony fired a shot from the right flank, which was saved by Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon.But the incoming Isco picked up the rebound and opened the scoring for the hosts from close range.That meant a lot to Antony as he passionately celebrated in front of the Betis fans.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUnited supporters were left gobsmacked after witnessing the loanee’s immediate impact in Spain.This comes after other Man Utd rejects found greener pastures away from Old Trafford, such as Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho.Watch as Antony ‘is used as a CONE’ in Man Utd training as fans lose their minds over awkward footageAnd some of the United faithful are starting to believe the club is the reason why so many talented players fail to deliver.One fan tweeted: “Antony already causing problems. Manchester United were the problem.”Another commented: “Anthony has provided an indirect assist on his debut. Maybe Manchester United is the problem after all.”A third wrote: “Ahhahahaha, Antony leaves Man U, gets an assist. That club is so bad.”This fan said: “Antony with the Assist, Man UTD was obviously the problem.”And that one posted: “United players are immediately better when they leave United. Antony assist already.”Betis couldn’t hold on to their lead as Bilbao fought back and picked up a 2-2 draw.READ MORE SUN STORIESAthletic Club equalised when former Liverpool and West Ham goalkeeper Adrian fumbled a corner into Aitor Paredes before seeing it land in the net.The hosts retook the lead with a stunning strike from Romain Perraud on the stroke of half time before set piece woes struck again as Oihan Sancet scored a free header in the 69th minute. More