Aston Villa manager Unai Emery admits he faces a huge challenge in helping Marcus Rashford rediscover his best form but is eager to exploit the forward’s potential.
Rashford joined Villa on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, with the club holding a £40m option to buy.
The 27-year-old has not featured since December and was recently criticized by United boss Ruben Amorim, who claimed he “could not get him to see his way of thinking.”
Despite his struggles, Rashford has netted seven goals in 24 appearances this season. After training well this week, he could be included in Villa’s squad to face Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
“My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge with us is exciting,” said Emery.
“I don’t want to know the reason he is leaving Manchester, but I am very happy to have him here. I want to help him recover his performances, both individually and collectively.”
Emery stressed that his discussions with Rashford have been focused solely on football.
“The conversation I had with him was very normal—just a player and a coach speaking about football. I only want the best from him. I think he has huge potential to exploit.”
Rashford was one of five new signings in the January transfer window, alongside Marco Asensio, Axel Disasi, Donyell Malen, and Andres Garcia.
However, Malen and Garcia have been left out of Villa’s Champions League knockout-stage squad due to UEFA’s registration rules, which allow only three changes.
Aston Villa will be aiming to bounce back from their recent defeat as they push forward in the FA Cup and European competition.
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