Ruben Amorim told Marcus Rashford before him signing for Aston Villa on loan that he would NOT play for Manchester United again under his tenure, it has been claimed.

Rashford, 27, is closing in on a move to Villa for the rest of the season. Unai Emery called the England international and convinced him to make the switch, having fallen out-of-favour under Ruben Amorim.

In fact, Rashford has not played for United since December 12 after being left out of the squad to face Manchester City and expressing his desire to leave Old Trafford. Rashford told journalist Henry Winter that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" - hinting at a move away from United.

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Now, Rashford is set to get his wish with Villa on the verge of signing him on loan. The Wythenshawe-born forward is expected to undergo his medical on Sunday ahead of joining the West Midlands side until the summer.

While Rashford is going to depart United on loan this month, Villa have an option to buy him for £40million. A three-and-a-half year deal is on the table Rashford should Villa activate that clause in his contract.

Even if Villa do not sign Rashford on a permanent deal, he is not anticipated to return to United - unless Amorim is sacked before the end of the season. This is because, according to talkSPORT, Amorim has informed Rashford that would never return to the United squad as long as he was in charge.

Amorim was appointed as Erik ten Hag's permanent successor in November and has since won eight and drawn three of his 18 matches at the helm. United feel that Amorim has the credentials to bring success back to the club and are set to back him in the long-term, meaning Rashford's long-term future in Manchester a doubt.

In the meantime, United confirmed their second new signing of the Ruben Amorim era on Sunday morning when Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce. The 20-year-old has penned a five-and-a-year contract and he expressed his delight about signing for United in his first interview on the club's website.

Speaking after his move to United, Dorgu said: "I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family.

"I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim; his vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting. There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions."

Dorgu's move came after Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal on Friday. The 18-year-old sensation is set to be thrown straight into the first-team squad at United, having made one senior appearance for the Gunners.