Marcus Rashford lost THREE lucrative sponsorship deals before £1.5m Nike blow

Marcus Rashford has seen three brands part ways with him in recent years amid his struggles at Manchester United.

The forward's difficult time over the last couple of seasons saw him miss out on an England place in the Euros squad last summer and depart United to move on loan to Aston Villa during the transfer window. In that time, Rashford is said to have parted ways with Burberry, Levi's and Beats after being associated with the brands as he reached the height of his popularity.

Now, his move to Villa Park could also prove costly in sponsorship terms. After already seeing his earnings impacted by lack of appearances and goals, Rashford's contract with Nike could see his pay packet slashed following his move to Villa Park.

Joining the Champions League hopefuls sees Rashford change banding within his deal, report the Mail. United were placed in category A, while Villa are in a lower band. There is a 50 per cent reduction in pay between each category.

The forward could have earned more than £1.5million-a-year including bonuses with the American sports company while with United. That figure can drop as low as £50,000, however, and Nike are reported to be entitled to reduce his basic wage, in addition to claiming some of the signing-on fee they paid him in 2021 back.

Rashford's lack of England involvement since March last year could also see his pay packet hit by up to another 25 per cent. The 27-year-old signed a seven-year deal with Nike in 2021.

While his loan could prove costly, he will retain his lavish salary. Villa are set to pay the majority of his £325,000-per-week wages and it is said that they could contribute up to 90 per cent of that figure should Unai Emery's side progress in the Champions League or qualify for Europe.

The likes of Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan all struggled to come to terms due to Rashford's significant salary but United have been able to make some significant savings until the end of the season in their deal with Villa. The Midlands club could also make Rashford's deal permanent come the end of the season, they hold an option to sign the player for £40m.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

The 60-times capped star will don the no.9 shirt at Aston Villa and has been impressed by the club's prospects. After signing he said: “It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to join the team and help them keep pushing forward.

"I’m excited, can’t wait for the first training session and obviously the first game. (Unai Emery is) a top manager and what he’s done at the club since he’s come to Villa is unbelievable.

“It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive, and it’s why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year, and that’s what the team has been doing and are doing this year."

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