Marcus Rashford has released a statement following the confirmation of his transfer move away from Manchester United.

United have confirmed that the forward has joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season. The deal is thought to include an option to buy at the end of the season with the club covering at least 75 percent of Rashford’s salary, with that rising to 90 percent, depending on performance related bonuses.

The move comes after Rashford fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. The 27-year-old hasn’t made a Premier League appearance since a 3-2 loss against Nottingham Forest in early December.

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He was left out of the squad in eight of the nine league games since, and was an unused substitute in the other match. His future at United had been put into doubt after he spoke about wanting a new challenge ahead of the January window.

Several clubs had been linked with an interest, but it’s Villa who have won the race for Rashford. Following the confirmation of his news he took to social media to give his immediate reaction.

“I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision - I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the managers’ ambitions. I just want to play football and am excited to get started.

“I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season.”

Rashford could make his Villa debut in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Tottenham on Sunday, 9 February (5.35pm kick-off). He wasn’t included in the squad for United’s third round clash, meaning that he’ll be free to play in the competition for Villa.