Even the most optimistic Manchester United-Marcus Rashford supporter cannot believe that he will be returning to Ruben Amorim's side. The English forward has exceeded expectations under Unai Emery since arriving in January. He's playing well for Aston Villa, and that goodwill doesn't appear transferable back to Old Trafford.
For Villa, it makes sense to keep him and continue to forward partnerships that are continuing to develop. With a full season and preseason training camp, even more of Rashford's potential could be unlocked. The early returns, after all, are looking highly encouraging.
Earlier, the proposal of a potential player swap between AVFC and MUFC made the headlines. The suggestion made the case of Ollie Watkins going to Manchester and Rashford then staying in Birmingham on a permanent basis.
Early Thursday morning, however, Sky Sports shared that Rashford's camp had shut down that idea entirely. Assuming this to be true at face value, it makes sense. When analyzing some of the known trades in history, there is something to look out for.
Exceptions to every generality exist. Particularly for Villa. The club has benefited from the circumstances that ultimately led to Amadou Onana joining AVFC. The overall fear for any swap would be what's being given up and the lost production that leaves as a result to get better.
For this proposed Watkins-Rashford deal, Villa would simply be losing too much. Giving up the soon-to-be Premier League goal-scoring record holder for the club is a step too far. The current ManU player knows how important his current teammate is in the system.
Not being able to return as much of the cast as possible for next season would be too much of a hit. This current corps continues to make progress and is getting familiar with their roles, and they are adjusting to the adjusted playing time. Not being with Watkins next year would take away from what makes Villa so dangerous.
The goal of Emery is known and goes against this idea anyway
Add to the fact that Emery has vocalized the desire to play both at striker anyway, and this potential move does not make any sense. The entire purpose of having a 'starting 22' is to have flexibility and multiple players who could foreseeably play from the opening whistle in any match.
Due to outside circumstances, Villa may be forced to give up pieces in order to come into compliance. Trying to keep Rashford by sacrificing Watkins is not the right way to go about business. If the player's camp has indeed nixed that aspect, then they did so knowing what it would mean for the club's overall goals.