Ryan Giggs reveals why he does NOT see a future for Rashford at Man United

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs does not see a future for Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford after rediscovering his form - and happiness - on loan at Aston Villa.

The Welshman, who was part of Louis van Gaal's coaching set up when the forward was handed his debut in 2016, believes it will be better for both parties if Rashford makes his United separation permanent this summer.

After being frozen out of United's matchday squads under Ruben Amorim, Rashford completed a move to the Midlands in January and has become a key player for a side pushing for Champions League football. Giggs, who recalled the spotting the exciting youngster alongside Van Gaal in the United academy, stressed that the 27-year-old will be 'a brilliant player for someone' just not his former club.

'I don't think he looked happy at United,' said Giggs, who was appearing on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, presented by Qatar Airways, which goes live at 6am on Friday 25th April.

'I think he looks happier now. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut.

'I remember walking over to reserve team pitches and just watching him. It was a small-sided game, me and Louis walked over, didn't really know him.

'We knew a bit about him but all of a sudden it was just like, bang, bang, bang, goals. Louis went, no, he trains with us. That's the impact that he made.

'And he was just like any young player, just playing with freedom. He doesn't look like that. For Marcus and for United, I think it's best if they're part ways. He'd be a brilliant player for someone, but I don’t know who.'

Rashford is under contract at United until 2028 and the club must decide whether to keep the England international, sell him or send him out on loan again.

However, Rashford will also have a say over his next move, and it’s understood that his representatives will not sit down for talks until mid-June at the earliest.

The 27-year-old does not want to move to London and is keen to join a club in the Champions League. Villa's hopes of qualification suffered a setback when they lost 2-1 to a 94th-minute winner at Manchester City on Tuesday night after Rashford had equalised from the penalty spot.

His camp have also ruled out a player exchange with the likes of Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Eberechi Eze, of Crystal Palace, due to the complexities of a swap deal.

Rashford has earned an England recall on the back of his improved form since leaving United for Villa, contributing four goals and six assists in 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.

He is said to be happy at Villa Park where he gets on well with his teammates and the coaching staff.

Rashford is focused on finishing the season there after helping Villa into the FA Cup semi-finals against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday, and contention for a return to the Champions League having narrowly lost out to favourites Paris Saint-Germain in the last eight.

Listen to the full Rio Meets Ryan Giggs interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify from 6am, Friday 25th April.