Marcus Rashford is aiming to revive his career after leaving Manchester United for Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old completely fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim after dropping a bombshell interview revealing he was “ready for a new challenge” in December.
Since then, Amorim criticised Marcus Rashford’s attitude in training and left him out of 11 consecutive matches.
Rashford has since joined Aston Villa on loan, and a £40m buy option included in the deal means a permanent exit is on the cards this summer.
United failed to replace Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window, but will likely look for a new striker in the summer whether he joins Villa permanently or not.
Rashford made his Villa debut against Tottenham in a 2-1 FA Cup victory on Sunday evening, and the United academy star made a strong first impression.
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on Marcus Rashford’s debut
Before the deal was even finalised, Rashford impressed Unai Emery in a private phone call, where he reportedly came across as “humble”.
Then, Rashford’s medical produced incredible results, ranking him as one of the fittest players in Villa’s squad.
He ended his first week at Villa by coming on as a substitute against Spurs, and both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer were impressed by his short cameo.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I thought Rashford looked lively, he had a couple of good runs, a nice little nutmeg and he was a threat down that left-hand side.
“So, hopefully this is the bolt he needs to get him back playing well because there’s so much talent in there.
Shearer then replied: “It has to be, Gaz. I said it’s like the last chance saloon, he’s been given another opportunity at a football club with a top manager who wants to get the best out of him. It’s up to him now.
“But he made a good start when he came on as a substitute.”
Could Marcus Rashford face Man United in FA Cup?
Just like Rashford and Villa, United booked their spot in the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-1 victory.
Amorim’s side came from behind to beat Leicester City 2-1 at Old Trafford with Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire on the scoresheet.
United and Villa will learn their fifth-round opponents during Monday evening’s FA Cup draw, and with only 16 teams remaining, both clubs will have their eyes on the prize.
If United were to draw Villa, Rashford would be eligible to face United as he has not been cup-tied. That is unless there is a specific clause in the agreement that stops Rashford from facing his parent club.
Rashford is not eligible to face United in the Premier League due to parent club rules – the two clubs are set to meet in the final game of 2024/25 season.
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