Mirror: Manchester United and Villa talked about Rashford & Watkins swap, Manchester United still pays attention to him now

July 2, The Mirror reported that Manchester United and Villa had previously negotiated a potential deal to swap their clubs with Rashford and Watkins.

Manchester United had negotiated with Aston Villa this summer on a potential swap deal, while Rashford was ending his loan career at Villa Park. The 27-year-old striker was loaned to Villa in the second half of last season and left the team due to a breakdown in relations with Manchester United coach Amorin.

The original lease agreement contained a buyout clause of £40 million, but if the swap transaction with Watkins was completed at that time, the situation would be completely different. It is reported that the 29-year-old striker was listed in January and was even recommended to Arsenal.

TheAthletic disclosed that Manchester United had negotiated with Villa at the end of the season on the introduction of Watkins. The Red Devils have now launched a new round of polling prices independent of Rashford, and the latter is sure to be bought out by Villa. Amorin is in desperate need of a new striker, Watkins is the target, and Rashford, who returns to Old Trafford, seems to have no future at Manchester United.

Villa is facing pressure on Premier League profit and sustainable development rules, and the media said they must sell at least one high-value player to avoid punishment. There are rumors that Villa may follow Chelsea’s example to sell the women’s team, and letting Watkins go will also cause a shock. The team just sold Duran to Riyadh for £65 million in the winter window, but eventually missed the Champions League qualification.

It is worth noting that Duran's departure did not ensure Watkins' main position. Rashford started both starters in the quarter-finals against Paris Saint-Germain, which made Watkins publicly express his dissatisfaction: "I played only 20 minutes in two games. To be honest, I was angry that I couldn't play. I showed my attitude to Emery. Of course, the final decision is on him, and I respect that, but I am by no means a player who is willing to sit on the bench."

"The experience of missing a major stage is unprecedented, you are always eager to play, especially in the Champions League. I and several other teammates are disappointed that I didn't get the start, but as I said, it's the coach's choice, you have to turn anger into motivation rather than obstacles."