Marcus Rashford: ‘STRANGE’ thing about Aston Villa move revealed

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 8 Feb 2025 05:27 CST
  • 3 min read
Marcus Rashford, Aston Villa
© IMAGO

Marcus Rashford is in line to make his first appearance for Aston Villa since moving from Manchester United in the FA Cup against Tottenham on Sunday.

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Rashford completed a loan move to Man Utd’s Premier League rivals during the transfer window following a long and drawn-out saga at Old Trafford, where he had fallen out with head coach Ruben Amorim.

READ MORE: Romano announces new contract that changes everything for Man Utd

Current ETV
Player image Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Aston Villa logo

Aston Villa

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Aston Villa

Aston Villa

€78.6M

ETV Range

€70.7M - €86.4M

When he does finally take to the field for Unai Emery’s side, it will be the first time he has played competitive football for two months.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Keane said that the deal felt inevitable in the end – but the Man Utd icon is surprised that Rashford chose to go to Aston Villa.

“It’s sad but it’s been on the cards the last year or two, especially since the new manager’s come in. Clearly they didn’t get on,” Keane said.

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“The manager got no reaction from Marcus. The strange thing for me was I thought when Marcus was going to leave Man United he was going to go abroad and try something new.

“A new adventure for him, a different league, a different challenge. To go to Villa surprises me a little bit.

“I know Aston Villa are going along nicely, but you can’t compare them to Manchester United.”

Marcus Rashford's departure from Man Utd was inevitable, says Roy Keane
© IMAGO - Marcus Rashford's departure from Man Utd was inevitable, says Roy Keane

Emery on Rashford deal

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is looking forward to what he described as a “challenge” to get Rashford back to his peak.

“I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I don't want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester but I am very happy keeping him here,” Emery said.

“I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting.”

Rashford’s role for Aston Villa is liable to be all the more important given that Ollie Watkins sits out injured and Jhon Duran was the subject of a €80 million January transfer to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

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