Emery believes Marcus Rashford’s ability to excel both centrally and on the wing will drive Aston Villa’s push for top-four qualification this season.
fotnet24.net reports Unai Emery has lauded Marcus Rashford’s impact at Aston Villa since joining on loan, hinting at a permanent deal this summer. Villa Park has witnessed a dramatic upturn since Rashford arrived, with the club unbeaten in his first ten appearances. Villa sit fourth in the Premier League table and look poised for a late surge.
The 27-year-old England international reunited with Emery after a challenging 18 months at Manchester United left him on the fringes. He arrived at Villa Park on 2 February and immediately regained confidence under Emery’s guidance. Rashford’s struggles at Old Trafford saw him score only eight goals in 18 months prior to his loan move. At 27, his experience and maturity have bolstered Villa’s forward line. United’s tactical reshuffle under their Dutch manager limited Rashford’s role this season.
Since his loan switch, Rashford has featured in 12 matches across all competitions. He has scored four goals, including two in the FA Cup and two league strikes, and supplied two assists in ten Premier League outings. He opened his Villa account with a debut goal in the FA Cup fourth round against Tottenham. He also played a key part in Villa’s comeback draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Emery has often deployed Rashford centrally and on either flank, exploiting his 180cm frame, pace and technical flair to stretch defences. That tactical flexibility prompted Emery to alternate Rashford with established striker Ollie Watkins. That rotation helped Villa cope with a congested fixture schedule across domestic and European fronts.
The manager explained that squad depth hinges on versatility. “You always need two strikers and being versatile is better,” Emery said. He added that balancing playing time and managing personalities remains central to his selection process. Emery believes having two dynamic forwards creates tactical headaches for opposing defences. Emery’s use of high press and fluid formations suits Rashford’s skill set.
Ollie Watkins has started on the bench in three of Villa’s last five Premier League games. That decision highlights the quality options Emery now commands in attack. Watkins scored 15 league goals before Rashford’s arrival, but now he often starts matches from the bench. Watkins has shown professionalism in training and remains ready to return when called upon.
Villa can activate a £40 million option this summer if Rashford embraces a permanent switch. The forward’s Champions League ambition could align with Villa’s return to Europe after a seven-year absence. Fans have embraced Rashford’s arrival, with home attendances averaging over 40,000 since February.
Meanwhile, United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that all loanees will return to Carrington for post-season evaluation. The club will review each player’s performance before deciding on loans or permanent moves ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Carrington training complex buzzed as teammates welcomed him back in winter.
As the season reaches its climax, both clubs will weigh their options carefully. Villa’s Champions League hopes and United’s squad planning hinge on a decision that could define the next five years of Rashford’s career. By season’s end, Rashford will have a clear roadmap for his career direction.
