“We Don’t Want to Waste Time” – Unai Emery Provides Update on Aston Villa’s Plans for Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford’s Resurgence at Aston Villa Raises Questions for Manchester United

Marcus Rashford’s loan switch from Manchester United to Aston Villa may have raised eyebrows in January, but few are questioning the move now. The England forward has wasted no time reminding everyone of his quality, racking up four assists and two goals, including a brace in a commanding 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Preston North End.

Crucially, Rashford’s impact is being felt beyond the scoresheet. There’s an undeniable energy to his play, the kind that had once seen him billed as Manchester United’s future. At Villa, under the sharp-eyed guidance of Unai Emery, Rashford looks renewed—quicker, sharper, and more decisive in the final third.

Emery non-committal Amid Speculation

Naturally, his form has led to mounting questions over whether Aston Villa will look to make the deal permanent this summer. Reports initially suggested a £40 million option had been included in the loan agreement. Since then, murmurs have emerged that Manchester United might be aiming for something closer to £60 million—an amount that could complicate matters, particularly if other suitors emerge.

Photo: IMAGO

But speaking after the FA Cup victory, Emery played it cool.

“Not yet,” he said when asked about a decision on Rashford’s future. “The most important thing is the challenge now and this afternoon, recovering and then preparing for the match against Brighton. A decision about each individual player, it is to get the best of them and the best of us. We don’t want to waste time thinking about it.”

In true Emery fashion, there was no distraction, no deviation from the task at hand. The focus remains on the here and now—Villa are chasing silverware and a return to the Champions League, and that’s where the manager’s gaze is firmly fixed.

Rashford Rediscovering his Rhythm

For Rashford, this stint at Aston Villa has been about more than just a change of scenery. It has been a chance to rediscover himself.

“It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here,” Rashford told the BBC. “It’s obviously nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues.”

This version of Rashford looks closer to the one who lit up Old Trafford during his early years. Still only 27, he appears to be tapping into a renewed hunger and physical sharpness—something that had waned during a challenging spell at United. Injuries and inconsistency had dulled his edge, but now, with momentum behind him, Rashford seems intent on making up for lost time.

“I think we have to just take it one game at a time and give it 100% on the pitch and see where it takes us,” he added. “We’re a very ambitious team – we want to win and try and get as far as we can in all competitions and we also want to push to get back into the top four.”

Photo IMAGO

Decisions ahead for Manchester United

Manchester United, meanwhile, will be monitoring developments closely. Rashford is still under contract, and with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sporting restructure underway, the club’s approach to squad building could shift. A rejuvenated Rashford returning in the summer could be seen as an asset—or a timely opportunity to cash in.

Much will depend on how the season unfolds. If Rashford continues to perform and Villa qualify for Europe, Emery may push harder for a permanent deal. But the price—and Rashford’s own ambitions—will be central to any decision.

One thing is certain: Marcus Rashford is back in the conversation. Whether his future lies at Villa Park or Old Trafford remains to be seen, but for now, his performances are doing the talking.