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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has made a promising impression in his early days at Aston Villa.
Rashford moved to the Midlands in February after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim. Unai Emery placed his trust in his potential, leading to Villa signing him on loan until the end of the campaign.
The 27-year-old has started his Villa career on a lively note. After impressing fans and pundits alike with his intensity and flair in the opening three games for the Lions, Rashford opened his goal contribution tally in a crucial outing on Saturday.
Villa were trailing against Chelsea at half-time. Emery hooked off Jacob Ramsey and introduced Rashford, who changed the tempo of the game with his aggressive style of play.
He was dangerous from the get-go, proving a nightmare to defend for Malo Gusto on the left flank. He registered his first assist of the game just before the hour mark as his outstretched leg squared the ball to Marco Asensio for an easy tap-in.
The pair successfully combined again just before stoppage time to give Villa the lead and complete the comeback. The Englishman has earned plenty of plaudits for his two assists in the 2-1 win.
Rashford fell out with Amorim as the United head coach was left unimpressed with his work ethic in training. However, at Villa, the England international has attracted rave reviews for his performances on the training ground as well.
Villa’s U18 forward Cole Brannigan spoke to News Letter and shined light on his experience of training alongside Rashford.
“We played them on the Wednesday and he (Rashford) trained…he’s by far the best player I’ve seen technically with the ball – he was absolutely ridiculous,” said Brannigan. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
“We have a family group chat and I just put in ‘Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous’. Having Marcus Rashford at the club, he’s someone for me to look up to.”
The way Rashford has started at Villa, it would not surprise many if they decide to exercise the option to turn his loan into a permanent transfer for £40 million.
Even though the fee would help United reinforce their squad in the summer window, Rashford’s permanent exit from his boyhood club is bound to disappoint many in Manchester.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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