“One of the best in world football”: PL manager believes he can get the best out of this United superstar – Athletic

Unai Emery is understood to be a huge admirer of Marcus Rashford, who has joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United.

Rashford spent more than a month on the sidelines, as Ruben Amorim decided to push the Englishman away from the first-team fold after being left disappointed with his work in training.

United were open to listening to offers for their superstar all January but not many suitors showed interest in meeting their demands.

By late January, such was his relationship with Amorim that the Portuguese suggested he would rather give a chance to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench instead of Rashford.

Villa came calling for him late in the window and secured his services on an initial loan deal with a £40 million option to buy.

The Birmingham based outfit have agreed to pay 75 percent of his salary, which is in the excess of £325,000-a-week.

More importantly for Rashford, his new manager is very keen to work with him and believes in his talent.

Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, David Ornstein revealed: “Unai Emery loves Marcus Rashford as a player. He believes that he is one of the best in world football — and that he is the coach to bring him back to his top level.”

“Unai Emery loves Marcus Rashford as a player. He believes that he is one of the best in world football — and that he is the coach to bring him back to his top level.”@David_Ornstein discusses Rashford’s move to Aston Villa from Manchester United — and how it feels like the end… pic.twitter.com/XyiHVrza5Q

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 5, 2025

During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign and in Erik ten Hag’s first season, Rashford did show he is an elite forward by consistently getting on the scoresheet.

If Emery can help the England international rediscover that form, not only would it boost Villa’s chances of going far in the Champions League but it would also help the Red Devils raise more funds to ease their financial fair play concerns.

The way Rashford and Amorim parted ways during the winter window, it is tough to see him getting back into the United gaffer’s plans irrespective of how he performs at Villa.

Further, a significant fee should also help INEOS sign a top forward for Amorim, having failed to strengthen his attack in January.

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