Aston Villa have been told they face an uphill task of signing Marcus Rashford this summer, with the Manchester United outcast reportedly setting his sights elsewhere.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has backed Marcus Rashford to turn his career around at Aston Villa, admitting he was "really impressed" by the forward when he faced him for the first time.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has backed Marcus Rashford to show that he is a "very good player" during a loan at Aston Villa, having fallen out of favour at Manchester United.

Arne Slot said it would be a “complete surprise” if Marcus Rashford did not make a success of his Aston Villa loan spell. Rashford was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa during the January transfer window after being frozen out by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim due to a string of below-par performances in training.

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, acknowledged that he would be shocked if Marcus Rashford didn't make an impression while on loan at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper #01 Emiliano Martinez applauds at the end of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on April 6, 2024. Aston Villa equalised 3 – 3 against Brentford. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)