Crystal Palace Line Up Bold Marcus Rashford Transfer but Face Two Major Hurdles to Land the Manchester United Outcast if Aston Villa Pass on Him…

In a twist that could reshape the dynamics of the Premier League’s mid-table landscape, Crystal Palace are eyeing a dramatic move for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford—a player who not long ago was considered one of English football’s brightest stars. Yet, despite his talent and high-profile status, Rashford now finds himself at a crossroads in his career, as uncertainty swirls around his future at Old Trafford and beyond.

This bold initiative by Palace would mark one of their most ambitious transfer pursuits in recent years. But standing between them and the 26-year-old England international are two formidable obstacles: Rashford’s astronomical wage demands and stiff competition from several other high-profile suitors, including Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

The saga presents an intriguing blend of sporting ambition, financial risk, and redemption narratives—a classic Premier League transfer storyline with layers of drama yet to unfold.

Marcus Rashford: From Old Trafford Darling to Unsettled Talent

To fully understand the audacity of Crystal Palace’s pursuit, one must trace the trajectory of Rashford’s career. Once hailed as the future of Manchester United and the England national team, Rashford burst onto the scene in 2016 with a dream debut against FC Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League, scoring twice and quickly earning a reputation as a clutch performer.

His early years were filled with promise—blistering pace, an eye for goal, and a humble demeanor that resonated with fans. He was not only a footballer but a public figure, championing causes such as child food poverty and earning an MBE for his off-the-pitch activism.

But the past two seasons have been marked by inconsistency and growing frustrations. Under Erik ten Hag, Rashford struggled to find rhythm. His confidence appeared to wane, and his decision-making in the final third was often questioned. Despite ending the 2022/23 season with 30 goals in all competitions—a career high—his role diminished in the subsequent campaign.

With Manchester United embarking on a major rebuild under new manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford has become one of several players reportedly deemed “sellable” if the right offer arrives. Amorim is believed to favor a high-pressing, energetic style of play, and the coaching staff has questioned whether Rashford can consistently perform in such a system.

Loan Spell at Aston Villa: A Test Run for Redemption

Amidst this turmoil, Rashford was loaned out to Aston Villa in January 2025 in what was widely seen as an opportunity for a reset. Under Unai Emery, Villa has become a club with clear direction, a mix of experienced campaigners and rising stars, and a tactical framework that encourages quick transitions and versatility.

Rashford’s time at Villa has been promising, if not sensational. He has contributed five goals and three assists in 22 appearances, showing flashes of his old self. More importantly, he’s remained fit and motivated, a critical improvement given the injury-plagued nature of his last few years at United.

Villa, who negotiated a £40 million purchase option as part of the loan deal, now face a decision. Do they commit long-term to a player still trying to find his best form, or do they walk away and allow others to join the bidding war?

Sources close to Villa suggest that the club is split. Emery appreciates Rashford’s versatility and big-game pedigree, but sporting director Monchi is believed to have reservations about the cost relative to the player’s current form. If Villa decide against exercising the option, Crystal Palace are ready to pounce.

Crystal Palace’s Bold Ambition: Why Rashford? Why Now?

Palace’s interest in Rashford may seem surprising at first glance, but a deeper analysis reveals a club eager to break out of the cycle of mid-table mediocrity. Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have shown glimpses of evolution. The Austrian tactician, who led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, favors a dynamic, high-pressing style that could, in theory, revive Rashford’s form.

The South London club has a talented but underutilized core. Eberechi Eze is a creative force, Michael Olise offers pace and flair, and Adam Wharton has emerged as a midfield revelation. Adding Rashford would not only increase the team’s firepower but also boost its marketability and profile—critical elements as the club seeks to attract investors and grow its brand.

There’s also a sentimental element. Palace want to present themselves as a “project club”—a destination for players looking to reignite their careers, not just a stepping stone or relegation battler. Rashford, at 26, fits the mold: experienced but still young, struggling but with a high ceiling.

Club chairman Steve Parish, known for bold but calculated moves, is believed to be fully behind the pursuit. He reportedly views Rashford’s acquisition as a potential game-changer, both on and off the pitch.

First Hurdle: Rashford’s Mammoth Wages

The most immediate and significant hurdle is Rashford’s wage. Currently earning a reported £350,000 per week at Manchester United—making him one of the club’s highest earners—his salary presents a steep challenge for any club outside the Premier League’s traditional top six.

Crystal Palace’s wage structure is considerably more modest. Their top earners, including Eze and Joachim Andersen, are on deals that barely touch £100,000 per week. Accommodating Rashford would require not only a serious financial commitment but also the risk of destabilizing the dressing room dynamics.

Two potential solutions have been floated:

1. Subsidy from Manchester United: Palace may seek to negotiate a partial wage subsidy from United, especially if the Red Devils are desperate to offload Rashford’s salary. However, this could be complicated if multiple clubs are bidding.
2. A Reduced-Wage, Incentive-Based Contract: Alternatively, Rashford might be willing to take a pay cut—especially if he sees Palace as the best environment for regular playing time and rebuilding his brand. Incentives tied to appearances, goals, and team achievements could sweeten the deal.

One source close to the situation noted, “Marcus knows he can’t expect £350k a week anymore—not in this climate, and not given his form. But if Palace show him a clear plan, he might be tempted.”

Second Hurdle: Competition from Bigger Clubs

Palace aren’t alone in their interest. Paris Saint-Germain have long admired Rashford and reportedly made inquiries in 2022. With Kylian Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid now confirmed, PSG are reshaping their forward line. Rashford’s profile—French-speaking, marketable, and versatile—ticks several boxes for the Ligue 1 giants.

Closer to home, West Ham United are monitoring the situation. The Hammers have struggled to find consistency under David Moyes and see Rashford as a potential catalyst for a more expansive style of play.

Perhaps more intriguing is the reported interest from AC Milan. The Italian giants have a history of revitalizing careers—think Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, and Ismaël Bennacer. Rashford would join fellow Englishmen in a competitive yet less physically demanding league, with Champions League football as a potential bonus.

In such a context, Crystal Palace would need more than just a solid contract—they’d need a compelling project. That includes promises of consistent starts, a defined tactical role, and perhaps even a leadership mantle.

What Rashford Wants: A Fresh Start or a Payday?

Ultimately, the player’s intentions will shape the outcome. Rashford is at a critical juncture. Stay at United and risk stagnation? Fight for a spot at Villa? Embrace a new chapter abroad? Or accept a bold project at Crystal Palace and become the centerpiece of a rebuilding effort?

Reports suggest Rashford is open to a move, but cautious. He knows he needs to play regularly to re-enter Gareth Southgate’s England setup, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. He also understands that his brand power, while still strong, is tied to performance.

Palace would offer him the chance to play weekly, in a system built around his strengths, and in a city he knows well. There’s also a certain freedom to playing for a club with less pressure and scrutiny—something that could help him rediscover the joy in football.

What’s Next: The Summer of Rashford

As the Premier League season winds down and the summer transfer window looms, all eyes will be on Marcus Rashford. His performances for Aston Villa in the final matches could tip the scale—either convincing Villa to commit or making him more attractive to rivals.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, will prepare their pitch. They know they won’t be the highest bidder. But they’re banking on a compelling footballing project, the allure of London, and a coaching environment tailored to Rashford’s revival.

The coming weeks will involve negotiations, strategizing, and no small amount of persuasion. Can Palace convince a player once dubbed “the future of Manchester United” to join a club long overshadowed by its London rivals?

It’s a long shot. But then again, football loves a comeback story.

Conclusion: High Stakes, High Reward

The prospect of Marcus Rashford in a Crystal Palace shirt is both thrilling and risky. It would require a financial stretch, delicate negotiations, and a belief that the player can return to his best. But for Palace, the payoff could be transformative. A player of Rashford’s caliber, hungry for redemption, could elevate the club to new heights.

For Rashford, it’s a chance to write a new chapter—away from the shadows of Old Trafford, away from the relentless pressure, and toward a team willing to build around him.

And for Manchester United, it’s a final reckoning with a homegrown star they once saw as untouchable, now possibly departing in pursuit of a second chance.