Manchester City may have invested approximately £180 million in enhancing their squad, acquiring four new players, but this was likely anticipated due to their inconsistent performance in recent months.
Unai Emery has infused real quality into a team competing on three fronts. Donyell Malen joined from Borussia Dortmund, while Andrés García was brought in for a mere £6 million.
Emery also took full advantage of the loan market, securing Axel Disasi from Chelsea and Marco Asensio from PSG on temporary deals until the summer.
Among the flurry of transfer activity, one name stood out: Marcus Rashford. A few years ago, a move to Villa Park would have seemed unlikely for him, but now it represents a chance to rejuvenate his stalled career.
Rashford has a point to prove. Under Emery’s guidance, he has the ideal opportunity to silence his critics.
Struggles at Manchester United
Rashford’s season has not been particularly fruitful, with only seven goals and three assists across all competitions—hardly justifying his hefty £300,000-per-week salary at Manchester United.
The appointment of Rúben Amorim as United’s new manager in November left the entire squad on edge, offering a fresh start for everyone.
Rashford managed to score three times in Amorim’s first two games, suggesting he had found a coach keen to leverage his strengths. However, a 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest, just a week after his brace against Everton, marked his last appearance for the Red Devils before joining Villa on loan.
Amorim expressed dissatisfaction upon discovering Rashford had been out on the town before the Everton match, but extended a chance for him to return swiftly for the Manchester derby, stating: “New week, new life, let’s see.”
During Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, Rashford had his most prolific campaign, netting 30 goals in all competitions and contributing nine assists. He excelled in the Premier League, ranking in the top 2% for total goals and shots on target, as well as the top 4% for touches in the opposition penalty area and the top 11% for successful dribbles.
Typically deployed on the left wing, where he scored 17 of his goals, Ten Hag also utilized him in a central role, allowing Rashford to add another 11 goals to his tally. Remarkably, he missed only six matches due to injury, demonstrating that he thrives under a manager who trusts him and utilizes his strengths effectively.
Rashford’s Role at Villa
Under normal circumstances, signing a player of Rashford’s caliber would mean an immediate place in the starting XI, given his undeniable talent. However, these are not ordinary times. Villa has a wealth of talented attackers, even with Jhon Durán’s departure to Saudi Arabia.
Morgan Rogers has been exceptional this season, contributing 17 goals for the club and earning an England debut last year. The loan acquisition of Asensio also bolsters Emery’s options; despite limited appearances at PSG, he played primarily on the left wing or as a center-forward—Rashford’s key positions.
Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins, despite some inconsistent performances this season, are likely to be difficult to displace from the starting lineup, indicating that Rashford will need to make the most of his opportunities to secure a spot in the team.