Marcus Rashford has departed Manchester United after 20 years at the club, completing an initial loan transfer to Champions League contenders Aston Villa - and United fans in The Manchester Evening News comments sections have mixed feelings after seeing the forward leave for his "new challenge".

Villa will pay the lion's share of Rashford's wages, while they also have a £40million option to make the transfer permanent if he convinces the Midlands club of his talents. A transfer move for Rashford looked to be difficult earlier in the window, with few top clubs able to satisfy both United and Rashford's demands, but a deal was then found late doors on Sunday as the January transfer window deadline loomed.

Rashford last played for United in the Europa League on December 12, and his relationship with manager Ruben Amorim appeared to have broken down completely, at least from a playing perspective. United may now find themselves short on attacking players after sending both Rashford and Antony out on loan, although neither have had a impact on their season so far.

READ MORE: I have coached Patrick Dorgu - I hope his Manchester United transfer falls through

READ MORE: 'How dare they' - Alan Shearer enraged at Man United chiefs and makes Ruben Amorim claim

The departure feels final and bittersweet to some fans. Reader Manc57 says: "Very sad times here. He looks empty and as though he has lost his way. Wish the lad well and give him another chance!"

Commenter Xxxnoone thinks that Amorim should have worked more with Rashford: "This is poor management. It is up to managers to get the best out of the players, whoever they are. Out of position? This idea of his is "nothing out of the ordinary" - and simply it's not the Manchester United way. We have always played with two widemen, a centre forward and a number 10."

Tadano writes: "Agree, we seem to have spent the transfer window trying to offload players, and it's been obvious we needed a striker for the past three years. Rashford is still better than [Rasmus] Hojlund.”

Bobbn says: "I will miss prime Marcus in a red shirt a lot. Such a pity he left without going combat mode in proving his skills and abilities on the pitch [IMO]. Who knows what's really going on behind the scenes."

Clyde73 writes: "All the best Marcus, now you can prove everyone wrong and make them eat their words."

Anniemause says: "Ultimately, I think Rashford's refusal to learn and adapt [and become a better forward] are the reason he's going, and that is his and his entourage's fault, not the club's. I only hope he performs well enough to ensure his departure for a decent fee in the summer - because he's now not worth us trying to keep. Thank you for the memories of increasingly distant years gone."

AladdinManchester writes: "I'm MUFC to the bone, but the time is right for this move. I wish him all the best, but it's [the right] time to leave United now, Marcus."

Have your say! Do you think there can be a place at Manchester United for Marcus Rashford when the season ends? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.