Rashford's move to Aston Villa confirmed as Man Utd star joins Prem rivals

Aston Villa have confirmed the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

The Midlands club shared a picture of Rashford holding up a Villa shirt alongside Monchi, the president of football operations at Villa, and Damian Vidagany, the director of football operations at the club.

The picture was captioned: "Aston Villa is delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United."

The transfer move had developed quickly over the weekend. Initial reports had thought the 27-year-old would make a switch to Barcelona. Instead, he has chosen Birmingham as his destination after his fallout with United boss Ruben Amorim.

The chance of playing Champions League football was said to be a key factor in the England forward choosing Villa. Unai Emery's side sit eighth in the Premier League table, five positions and eight points above United.

Posting on social media, Rashford wrote: “I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen.

"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.”

Daily Star Sport outlined earlier today how Villa will pay a minimum of 75% of Rashford's £325,000-a-week wages, with that figure potentially rising to 90%, depending on performance-related bonuses.

Those performance-related bonuses are understood to focus on appearances and goals, with Rashford having found the net just seven times this season in 24 appearances.

In a statement, the Midlands club said: "Aston Villa are delighted to announce the loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. The England international, capped 60 times by the Three Lions, joins Villa on a deal until the end of the season.

"Rashford has scored 138 goals in over 400 appearances having come through the ranks at Old Trafford and has lifted the Europa League, two FA Cups and two League Cups with his boyhood club.

"The versatile forward, who can play anywhere along the front line, has also netted 17 goals in an England shirt and has represented his country at two World Cups and two European Championships. Welcome, Marcus!"