Marcus Rashford’s place in the Aston Villa line-up is up for debate ahead of their crucial Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The England international left Manchester United in January in an attempt to rejuvenate his career at Villa Park, on loan for the remainder of the season.
Villa have the option to sign Rashford for £40 million but after an up-and-down spell in recent weeks, it remains to be seen if they will follow through with that. It may depend heavily on whether they qualify for the Champions League next season.
The 27-year-old has not registered a goal contribution since 2 April and he did not perform particularly well before being replaced in Villa’s first leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain.
Rashford has kept his place in the team in recent weeks despite losing form, even though it has ruffled Ollie Watkins’ feathers.
Unai Emery advised to axe Marcus Rashford for PSG clash
Rashford has not rediscovered his best form since joining Aston Villa but he will hope to get back on track with a strong performance against PSG on Tuesday night.
The under-fire forward has registered three goals and four assists in claret and blue, but the club will want to see more from their winter signing for the remainder of the season to warrant a permanent deal.
In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against PSG, Rashford had little impact and was replaced for Watkins with 10 minutes to go.
This has led to talkSPORT pundits Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend both suggesting that Watkins should start instead of Rashford.
McCoist said: “He’ll start Watkins, won’t he?”
Former Villa ace Townsend was in full agreement, saying: “I would have thought so. I thought Marcus [Rashford] last week was poor.
“It wasn’t easy for him in Paris, but I think you need more. More energy and work rate is needed from him. He has these bursts, and that’s great, but you need a little bit more all round, and I think Ollie [Watkins] will give that.”
Rashford record vs PSG
Despite a lacklustre display against the Ligue 1 outfit in the first leg, Rashford boasts an impressive record against the French giants.
Rashford has played against PSG on five occasions, registering a goal contribution in four matches.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals | Assists |
| 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
The United loanee will be hoping to add to that impressive record whether he starts or comes off the bench against PSG tonight.
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