Aston Villa’s transfer business during the winter window was arguably the most impressive of all Premier League teams.
Yes, Manchester City might have spent around £180m on improving their squad, signing four new players in the process, but this was perhaps expected given their erratic form over the previous few months.
Unai Emery added genuine quality to a squad that is battling it out on three fronts. Donyell Malen arrived from Borussia Dortmund while Andrés García was snapped up for a bargain fee of just £6m.
The Spaniard took full advantage of the loan market, securing Axel Disasi (from Chelsea) and Marco Asensio (from PSG) on temporary deals until the summer.
One name stood out amongst the flutter of transfer activity. A name that, just a few years ago, would never have dreamed a move to Villa Park could potentially revive his stagnating career.
Marcus Rashford has a point to prove. Under Emery, he has the perfect platform to silence the doubters.
Frozen out at Manchester United
Rashford hasn’t exactly enjoyed the most productive of seasons so far. Seven goals and three assists (all competitions) hardly justifies his mammoth £300k-per-week wage at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim’s appointment as United’s new manager in November naturally had the entire squad on edge, offering a clean slate to everyone.
Rashford scored three times in Amorim’s first two matches and it appeared as though he had found a coach who was willing to utilise his strengths.
The 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest just six days after his brace against Everton turned out to be his final appearance for the Red Devils before he joined up with Villa for this loan spell.
Amorim wasn’t happy after finding out the Englishman had been on a night out prior to the Everton clash, but dangled an olive branch with regards to a swift return to the team ahead of the Manchester derby, saying: “New week, new life, let’s see.”
Rashford was subsequently dropped for that game as the manager added more fuel to the fire, going on to state that he would rather play the goalkeeping coach rather than a player who wasn’t giving the maximum effort in training every day.
After 426 appearances and 138 goals for the club, the 27-year-old made the move to Villa Park on deadline day until the end of the season.
A new dawn
If Emery can somehow get Rashford to replicate the form he displayed throughout the 2022/23 season, he could have a diamond on his hands.
That campaign – United’s first under the leadership of Erik ten Hag – the Manchester-born star enjoyed his most profitable season in front of goal.
30 goals were scored in all competitions, with Rashford demonstrating his selfless streak by recording nine assists.
The Villa loanee was exceptional in the Premier League under Ten Hag during his maiden season at Old Trafford. Not only did he rank in the top 2% for total goals and shots on target, but the winger also ranked in the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 11% for successful dribbles.
Typically used on the left wing – scoring 17 of his 30 goals – the Dutchman even utilised his qualities in a more central role. A position that saw Rashford net 11 goals for the club.
The Englishman missed just six games for the Red Devils through injury throughout 2022/23, indicating that he clearly thrives off trust, producing his best football under a manager who can get him playing to his strengths.
Where does Marcus Rashford fit in at Villa?
In ordinary circumstances, Villa signing a player of Rashford’s quality would see him slotted straight into the starting XI, especially with his undisputed quality.
These are no ordinary circumstances, however. Villa possess a host of superb players in their attacking department, despite Jhon Durán moving to Saudi Arabia.
Morgan Rogers has been outstanding this season. The former Middlesbrough starlet boasts 17 goal contributions for the club, while his performances have been sublime. His form didn’t go unnoticed, making his England debut late last year.
Asensio joining on loan was also another coup for Emery. He may have only played 17 times for PSG during the first half of the season, but the majority of these came either on the left wing or at centre-forward – Rashford’s two main positions.
Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins, despite their patchier form this season, could be difficult to usurp from the starting XI, suggesting Rashford will have to perform well when given a chance in the team.
Rashford made his Villa debut, coming on for Malen with just 25 minutes left during the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup last weekend, another player he will have to fight it out with for regular game time.
Despite this being his first taste of football since 12 December, Rashford looked sharp throughout his cameo.
He won his first duel against Kevin Danso moments after coming on, before threatening in behind the Spurs defence with his pace.
His movement was also excellent, dragging Danso out of position at times, even making an impressive pass which set Rogers free, but nothing came of the opportunity.
Initial signs are exciting. Once the 27-year-old gets into a rhythm, he will be a very useful asset to Emery between now and the end of the season.
Will this be enough to see him return to the first team fold at United? Or shall Villa pay the reported £40m fee that was inserted into the deal? The next four months could be the most important of Rashford’s career.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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