Can Marcus Rashford be recalled by Man United after Aston Villa FA Cup heroics

Marcus Rashford scored twice for Aston Villa against Preston North End on Sunday, prompting suggestions that Manchester United should recall the forward

Manchester United allowed Marcus Rashford to leave the club in the January transfer window in a loan move to join Aston Villa. The England international has regained some form under Unai Emery and that earned him a recall to the England squad earlier this month.

Although Rashford has been impressive in a Villa shirt, he hadn't found the scoresheet up until Sunday's FA Cup trip to Preston North End. The 27-year-old struck twice for Emery's side as they beat their Championship opponents 3-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-final.

Rashford netted his first in the 58th minute, sliding the ball into the corner after a smart cutback. Five minutes later, the Villa loanee had his second of the afternoon. After Morgan Rogers was clipped inside the box, Rashford stepped up from the spot and slotted into the corner.

The Wythenshawe-born forward received a standing ovation from the Villa fans as he left the pitch and it does feel like he has got his mojo back after a difficult start to the season in Manchester. But as United struggle for firepower up front, some fans have suggested that Rashford should be recalled.

However, it is not possible for United to do so. First of all, United would have needed to have included a recall option in the agreement with Villa to bring Rashford back. If no recall option was put in place, Rashford will stay at Villa Park until at least the end of the season.

There is also a matter of whether Amorim would want to welcome him back. Before leaving the club, Rashford had fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and was cast aside by the head coach after concerns regarding his attitude towards training and the system.

Villa are understood to have a buy option in their deal with United which means they can purchase him for a set price, believed to be £40m, in the summer. That would suggest Amorim would perhaps favour giving youth players a chance in his United squad before only considering a return for Rashford if Villa ultimately decide not to take up their purchase option at the end of the season.

Although a return to United does seem unlikely, Rashford is no doubt hoping to continue his form as Villa prepare for a chaotic run-in. Emery's side could have up to 16 more matches before the end of the season if they are successful in the FA Cup and Champions League.

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