Ruben Amorim doubles down on Marcus Rashford as Man Utd loanee shines

has doubled down on his decision to let leave on loan, despite the forward's impressive showings for Aston Villa. Rashford had been with United since he was a kid but wasn't fancied by Amorim upon the Portuguese tactician's arrival from Sporting CP in November.

Despite featuring for Amorim during his early days as United boss, Rashford was subsequently left out of the squad on several occasions before leaving the club on a short-term deal in January. There had been speculation that he would depart for pastures new abroad, but the England international eventually put pen to paper on a loan with Unai Emery's Villa side.

It's proved a decent move to Villa Park for Rashford so far, with the 27-year-old having registered six goal contributions across all competitions for the West Midlands outfit. Meanwhile, his parent club, United, are still languishing down in the bottom half of the table, with the Europa League their only route into European football next season.

When asked about the decision to let Rashford leave, Amorim replied: "In January we lost players - and you are talking about Rashford and Antony. We lost these players and we didn't bring new ones in. It was a risk. But I think that there are things here that are more important than to score 10 more goals this season.

"We are trying to do something that is more important. We can hurt the squad now because in the future it is going to help the club. I think we are on that path. Like I said, in that moment, it was my idea. But I tried to help the team - and also help those players who need something different. That's all."

Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford upon the completion of his loan, which could come sooner rather than later, given he was ruled out of Villa's weekend semi-final defeat against Crystal Palace with an injury. Emery was , meaning he may have already played his final match in a Villa shirt.

Regardless, former Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney has already pleaded with Amorim to let Rashford back into the fold when he rocks back up in Greater Manchester ahead of next season. , he said: "I hope Rashford goes back to United and performs like he did tonight, that's what we all want to see as Man United fans. They [Villa] would have to finish in the Champions League, it would be a waste."

United return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host Bournemouth at Old Trafford.