Manchester United have faced intense criticism for the decision to hand Marcus Rashford a bumper new contract less than two years before shipping him out to Aston Villa. The 27-year-old forward had just produced a career-best 2022/23 season under Erik ten Hag to earn the £300,000-a-week deal until 2028.
However, he couldn't build on his 30 goals in all competitions, striking just eight times last term before only managing seven ahead of his February switch to Villa. Rashford's 12-match exile before leaving was a damning indicator of a deteriorated relationship after nine years as his boyhood club's poster boy. He is heavily expected to leave Old Trafford permanently in the summer, and Villa have a £40million option to buy should he wish to remain in the Midlands.
Rashford has started life under Unai Emery brightly, striking up an impactful early relationship with fellow loanee Marco Asensio.
United's critics have intensified their scrutiny as a result, pointing at Ruben Amorim's misfiring attack while another player thrives elsewhere shortly after cutting free.
But Rashford's early success at Villa Park proves the Red Devils right for backing his quality when committing to a new five-year contract in 2023, a decision for which they've been slammed.
And the England international has already won his new team-mates over, earning sheer praise from Villa captain John McGinn.
Marcus Rashford's loving life at Aston Villa.
Marcus Rashford's loving life at Aston Villa. (Image: Getty)
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"I've been impressed. They came with huge reputations, but they've fitted in nicely," McGinn explained ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Club Brugge.
"They're good guys who are hungry to succeed, and they've worked hard, which is all you want as a team-mate. There are no big egos – well, if there are, we've not seen them yet!
"But they've fitted in well. I'm hoping one falls to Marcus' feet tomorrow to get his first goal. They are two brilliant players, and we are delighted they are here."
Rashford has yet to score in his first six Villa appearances but has notched up three assists, all for Asensio goals.
He will prove crucial for Emery's side's Champions League prospects ahead of a tricky tie against Brugge, who triumphed 1-0 when the two teams met in the league phase.
Villa must also better their away form, losing eight of their last 10 games on the road, and McGinn is eyeing improvement.
The Scotsman added: "We are not ignoring the away record. We've had good results this season, but we've been far too easy to play against away from home, too easy to score against.
"We have the chance to change it now. We need to win more duels, be stronger in the tackle. We need to start with a clean sheet and try to nick a goal from a counter-attack."
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2022118/man-utd-news-marcus-rashford-aston-villa-champions-league/amp
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👍👍👍👍
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Na because him just enter new club. Let all the motivation die down, you go see
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Still won Manchester City without him
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😂
We will see shaa
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You will still come back to edit this 😂😂
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Una dey use headline drag us to read abi?
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The headline was a click bait 🤣🤣🤣
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