Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe says he can't recall a situation like Marcus Rashford's during his eight years with the club.

Rashford is now nearing a loan move to United's Premier League rivals Aston Villa after weeks in exile under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach has repeatedly suggested there's a path back into the Red Devils' first team for the 27-year-old.

But Rashford's public declaration of desiring a fresh start, and Amorim's comments questioning his commitment, suggest deep-rooted disagreement between the pair. Sharpe saw plenty of previously loved players depart Old Trafford while he was under Sir Alex Ferguson's rule.

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He feels the modern nature of football and the much increased media attention have exacerbated the situation. Asked if he could recall past team-mates who found themselves in Rashford's position, the 53-year-old told William Hill: "I can’t really.

"In my time, Paul Ince left and was shocked to be let go by Sir Alex, but there was no animosity or fall out with that. Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes all left and there was no issue and were all amicable.

"Same with Andrei Kanchelskis, so there wasn’t anything like this. The media is different now, then we kept things in house, but now you have seen a few instances of players speaking to media."

Sharpe reckons Rashford has reached his current predicament due to a build-up of pressure on and off the pitch in recent years, with there not necessarily someone to blame. He hopes the move to Villa can reinvigorate the career of what was once one of Europe's most exciting talents, with his long-term future remaining with his boyhood club.

"I don’t know Marcus, but from what I have heard over the years, he is a nice guy," Sharpe continued. "He isn’t massively vocal, he is quiet and considered in what he does and you look at off the field what he has done it is remarkable with the food banks for children and those in need.

"It seems he has had a lot on his shoulders and this may have taken its toll. But he came on the scene and performing brilliantly for Manchester United. His goals [record] against the big sides is excellent.

"There's no doubt he is super talented as he has shown and also in the past for England. I hope we see Rashford return to his best at Manchester United and it will be a shame to part ways with people remembering this current period, when it should be about his brilliant performances and goals he has scored."

The Athletic report Villa's deal to take Rashford on loan until the end of the season will likely include an option to buy. He'll still have three years left on his current United contract come the summer.