Marcus Rashford was present at thstart on Unai Emery’s tenure, featuring in the Spaniard’s first two matches at Ashton Villa. However, he was not playing for Villa but rather Manchester United who suffered a 3-1 defeat in Emery’s debut.
A few days later, he scored in the Caraboa Cup rematch handing Emery his first loss as Villa’s manager. That day was also significant for Rashford as he was named in England’s World Cup squad.
During the tournament in Qatar, he netted three goals before returning to United to enjoy a stellar season, scoring 30 times. At the time, despite Villa’s early signs of ambition under Emery, few would have imagined Rashford declaring years later, that “constant ambition” was a key attraction especially in referance to Villa. While the club had already made bold moves, such as signing Philippe Coutinho, Eashford was still seen as a central figure in Erik ten Hag’s project at United.
Now with his loan switch to Ashton Villa, Rashford may have taken a step up. In the past six seasons, he has started just one Champions League knockout match. Given that Villa’s last 16 opponents could be Atlanta, Club Brugge, Borussia Dortmund, or Sporting CP, he now has a realistic chance of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2019.
This move reflects Villa’s rise and Rashford’s struggles. His dissapointing 18 months make him a gamble for Emery, but a calculated one. Villa will cover over £200,000 of his weekly wages and have the option to buy him for £40 million. If he under performs or his off-field issues persist, he will once again be United’s concern.
Emery has a string track record of rejuvenating attack players, Jhon Duran is a recent example, earning Villa a £64 million windfall with his transfer to Al-Nassr. Rashford will inherit Duran’s No. 9 shirt and is expected to bring elements of both Duran and Ollie Watkins to Villa’s attack. With Watkins currently sidelined due to injury, Rashford may be required to fill a central role, even though it is not his preferred position.
Duran’s value to Villa stemmed form his impact off bench, scoring crucial goals as a substitute. While such consistency may not have been sustainable, Villa wil be hoping Rashford can deliver in a similar capacity. However, his primary role is expected to be on left-wing, which aligns with his playing style. He noted that he chose Villa because their tactical approach suits him well. Emery’s team thrives on quick counterattacks, but their effectiveness has been hindered by underwhelming performances for natural wingers this season.
Morgan Rogers has arguably been Villa’s standout winger and No. 10, but the arrivals of Rashford, Donyell Malen, and Marco Asensio could allow him to transition into a more central role. Emery often deploys a pacey attacker on one flank while using a midfielder – typically John McGinn or Jacob Ramsey – on the other. A potential challenge for Rashford is that the winger in Emery’s system is often positioned on the right, a side he prefers less.
Villa have struggled with consistency from their wide players. Moussa Diaby’s stint featured flashes of brilliance but ended in an exit after just one season. Jaden Philogene, despite an impressive display against Bayern Munich, departed after six months due to inconsistency. Leon Bailey, the most consistent presence, netted 10 goals last season but has managed just one this term. Villa’s attacking depth has been limited, with only three players scoring more than four goals – one of whom, Duran, has now left.
Their aggressive transfer activity suggest they have reinforced their attack through strategic moves. While Arsenal attempted to sign Watkins, Villa resisted and instead secured what could be an upgrade. Rashford, Malen, and Asensio arrive with the potential to make a significant impact, while the departing trio of Duran, Philogene, and Emi Buendia had limited influence.
Villa’s financial dealings have played a role in their transfer approach. The sale of Duran, Philogene and Diego Carlos provided the flexibility to bring in reinforcements. Their rumoured interest in João Félix highlights a pattern under Emery – targeting talented players who have lost their way and need a career revival. Rashford fits the mold perfectly.
Ultimately, Villa seems to be betting that if even one of these signings delivers elite performances, their transfer strategy will be validated. For Rashfird, success at Villa is not just an opportunity, it is a necessity.
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