Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has pinpointed Unai Emery’s drive and the ambition of the club as the two primary reasons that convinced him to accept a permanent move away from Old Trafford.
On Sunday evening, United confirmed that Rashford has joined Villa on an initial six-month loan until the end of the season.
It’s understood that the transfer also includes an option for the Villains to sign Rashford permanently for a pre-agreed fee, which is believed to be around £40million.
Earlier on Monday, Villa confirmed Rashford’s squad number. The Carrington academy graduate will sport the number nine jersey.
In his first sit-down with VillaTV, Rashford said, “It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to join the team and help them keep pushing forward. I’m excited, can’t wait for the first training session and obviously the first game.”
“(Unai Emery is) a top manager and what he’s done at the club since he’s come to Villa is unbelievable.”
“It’s the constant ambition that’s attractive, and it’s why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year, and that’s what the team has been doing and are doing this year.”
“It’s a club that’s in a good position in the league, and they’re pushing to get higher. Still in the Champions League, a good, ambitious manager and great talent in the squad.”
The 27-year-old added, “I’ve had to choose somewhere where I feel my style of football is suited to, and can help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player.”
“Obviously it’s only short-term I’m here, so I want to make the most of my time here, and the only way to do that is by using my attributes and my skillset to help the team.”
Asked what he hopes to achieve during his time at Villa Park, Rashford replied, “I think it’s clear. We’re obviously still in the Champions League, we want to go as far as we can in that. If you don’t aim to win it, you’re never going to win it. That’ll be my main objective, and keep pushing in the league to get as high as possible.”
“Obviously, (it’s) the biggest competition for a club to be involved in. I’m sure it will be a new experience for me, playing for Villa in the Champions League.”
“It’s always going to be a great moment, but the aims remain the same, to try and do our best to win it. I’ve played a fair amount of games in the Champions League, so I feel like I’m experienced and know how to handle those types of situations.”
“But, like I say, it’s a new environment, new team, new team-mates, so it’s about shared experiences and using each other’s experiences to help you get through the game and hopefully keep winning.”
On what he can bring to the team, Rashford explained that he can hurt opponents and decide football games when he’s playing at his best.
He reiterated that his desire is to help Villa win as many matches as possible and collect as many points in the process while also possibly making history.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
