Unai Emery has heaped praise on Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford after the forward’s game-changing performance in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
Rashford, who arrived at Villa Park on loan from Manchester United in January, was introduced at half-time with his team trailing 1-0.
The 27-year-old made an immediate impact, setting up both of Marco Asensio’s goals to complete Villa’s stunning comeback.
Following the match, Emery was full of admiration for the England international.
“We support him, help him, try to make him feel comfortable here, and boost his confidence with us,” Emery told Sky Sports.
“We try to use his skill in our tactical idea. He’s in the process, and of course, he played a fantastic 45 minutes. He is already becoming very important.”
Rashford’s move to Villa came after he fell out of favor at Manchester United under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Once considered one of Europe’s most lethal attackers, his form dipped dramatically after the summer of 2023. However, his electric display against Chelsea suggests he could be rediscovering his best self.
The Midlands club have the option to make Rashford’s transfer permanent for £40 million at the end of the season a prospect that now seems increasingly tempting.
His teammates were equally effusive in their praise.
“We know the quality of Marcus,” said Asensio. “He helps us a lot. We are so happy. Thank you to Marcus for the two assists!”
Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans echoed the sentiment, highlighting Rashford’s influence on the left flank.
“We are very pleased, especially with the way he is performing now,” Tielemans said. “Marcus is someone who can threaten defenders one-on-one, even one-on-two. He is very important for us because he gives us something different. You could tell today every time he got the ball, he was dangerous.”
Football pundit Jamie Redknapp described Villa’s decision to sign Rashford as a “masterclass,” questioning why other clubs didn’t take the opportunity.
“That’s how to do the transfer window,” Redknapp said. “That’s how you handle business. To bring in Marcus that’s a masterclass. I’m sure directors of football around the world are thinking, ‘Why didn’t I sign Marcus Rashford?’
“I understand the doubts. I would have been nervous about it, too. But right now, Aston Villa look like they’ve pulled off some brilliant business.”
With Rashford already proving his worth, Villa may soon have a big decision to make on his long-term future at the club.