Aston Villa Unai Emery is looking forward to the “exciting” challenge of helping January signing Marcus Rashford back to his previous heights.
Rashford joined Villa on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season in the final days of the January window after falling out of favour under Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.
The 27-year-old has not featured for United since early December, with Amorim questioning the forward’s commitment prior to his switch to the Second City.
But his new manager Emery says he is “very happy” with the England international and says he is keen to get him back firing again.
“I’m very happy with him,” said Emery.
“The conversation we had was very normal, speaking about football and what I want of him.
“I think his potential is still big. I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving from Manchester United.
“I am very happy to have him here, to try to help him to recover his performances.
“My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge as well with us is a very exciting challenge. I am very happy.”
Villa team news: Watkins and Mings out
Unai gave an update on team news before Sunday’s match 📰
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 7, 2025
Rashford could make his Villa debut when they face Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
The United loanee could even be handed a start up front after Emery revealed striker Ollie Watkins will miss the game at Villa Park, joining four other absentees on the sidelines.
“We are going to work tomorrow, but at the beginning, we have out, not available for Sunday, Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, Cash, Ross Barkley and Watkins,” said the Spaniard.
Speaking specifically on Watkins, he added: “For him, each day is being important, how he is feeling, but for Sunday, I think he is not going to be available because today he didn’t train.
“Tomorrow, I think he is not going to train as well, because he will need more days to recover.
“Hopefully, for next week, he will be available.”
Champions League snubs
Villa were one of the busier sides during the January transfer window, bringing in Rashford as well as Marco Asensio, Axel Disasi, Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia, with the likes of Jhon Duran, Emiliano Buendia and Diego Carlos all departing.
Champions League rules dictate that only three changes can be made to team’s Champions League squads for the second half of the campaign, which has led Malen – who joined from Borussia Dortmund – and right-back Garcia being left out.
“The decision we had to take yesterday and they are out – Andres Garcia and as well, Donyell Malen,” Emery explained.
“It wasn’t a good decision that I had to take but I spoke with Andres and I spoke with Donyell to tell them the decision.”