Ruben Amorim has gambled his Manchester United future by allowing Marcus Rashford to join Aston Villa this month,. That’s the view of Premier League icon Paul Merson, who thinks Rashford thriving in the Midlands could be the last straw for Old Trafford bosses. The United academy graduate completed his move to Villa on Sunday night, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Amorim. Rashford will join Unai Emery ’s side for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the transfer permanent in the summer. It draws to a close - temporarily at least - a turbulent time between Rashford and Amorim.

The England international confirmed he was looking for a new challenge in December, having been left out of the matchday squad to face Manchester City. Amorim continued to omit him from squads, going as far to say he would rather play 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital. But Merson has suggested that if his move to Villa goes well, while United continue to struggle themselves, Amorim could pay the price. "The manager is running out of ideas at the moment. He's struggling badly,” the ex-Arsenal star said on Sky Sports News.

"What he's done with the Rashford situation is mind-blowing. Mind-blowing. His job is on the line at this rate. If Rashford gets ten goals in ten games - and Man United carry on the way they're playing, then the board will be asking the question: what are you doing?. The Red Devils appear as if they will stand pat on the final day of the January window, despite defeat to Crystal Palace leaving them marooned in the bottom half. United have made just one senior signing this month, with left-back Patrick Dorgu arriving from Lecce.

But in attacking areas, United look set to stick with what they’ve got, despite Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles. Merson added: "Man United should get Mateta, that's what they need. He's a strong lad up front, playing at the top of his game, he leads the line, scoring goals now. He runs and works his socks off harder than anyone you know. "But they won't because he plays for Palace. And everyone would go: what are you buying him for? But he's 100 times better than anyone Man United have in the front line. Not Amad, he's a young kid - but he's much better than Hojlund and Zirkzee at the moment.

“And Man United are playing Mainoo up front. If you're one of those two centre forwards, I would say: I might as well go out on loan and play for Exeter this month.". As for Rashford, he joins Villa as they battle for another top-four finish, as well as competing in the Champions League latter stages this season. “I think it’s clear. We’re obviously still in the Champions League, we want to go as far as we can in that. If you don’t aim to win it, you’re never going to win it. That’ll be my main objective, and keep pushing in the league to get as high as possible," he told VillaTV.

“Obviously, (it’s) the biggest competition for a club to be involved in. I’m sure it will be a new experience for me, playing for Villa in the Champions League. It’s always going to be a great moment, but the aims remain the same, to try and do our best to win it. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.