Why Marcus Rashford Joined Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa until the end of the season has raised eyebrows, but the England international has wasted no time in making his motivations clear. In his first in-house interview since arriving at Villa Park, Rashford expressed a strong desire to rediscover his best form, contribute to Villa’s ambitions this season, and most notably, embrace the winning mentality that Unai Emery has sought to instil into his squad.
Why Rashford Chose Villa
For a player who has spent his entire career at Manchester United from childhood, Rashford’s decision to leave Old Trafford – even on a short-term deal – was not taken lightly. The forward’s reasoning for choosing Villa goes beyond just getting minutes on the pitch. He sees something at Villa Park that resonates with him – a club on the rise, a manager with a clear vision, and a squad that is pushing itself to new heights.
Speaking about Unai Emery, Rashford was full of admiration.
“(Unai Emery is) a top manager and what he’s done at the club since he’s come to Villa is unbelievable,” offered Rashford.
The 27-year-old pointed to the constant ambition within the club, something he believes is crucial for his own development: “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.”
At Villa, Rashford sees a team competing on multiple fronts, a club still in the Champions League, and a manager who has transformed Villa into serious contenders.
“It’s a club that’s in a good position in the league, and they’re pushing to get higher,” said Rashford. “Still in the Champions League, a good, ambitious manager and great talent in the squad.”
While the move is only temporary, Rashford knows he has a point to prove.
“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,” he added. “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.”
“If you don’t aim to win it, you’re never going to win it. That’ll be my main objective.” – Marcus rashford on villa in the champions league
Champions League Experience to Deliver on Big Nights
One of the most appealing aspects of Rashford’s move to Villa is the chance to compete in the Champions League knockout stages. With 12 goals in the competition, including big moments against PSG and RB Leipzig, Rashford knows what it takes to deliver at the highest level.
“I think it’s clear. We’re obviously still in the Champions League, we want to go as far as we can in that,” reflected the England forward. “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.”
Rashford is aware of the expectations placed on him, but he sees his experience as an advantage: “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.”
With Villa eyeing a deep run in Europe, Rashford’s Champions League pedigree could be exactly what the squad needs.
A Point to Prove
Rashford has been criticised for his inconsistencies at Manchester United, but there is no questioning his ability when in top form. He knows he must take responsibility and deliver for Villa on the pitch.
“I know I can hurt teams, I know when I’m playing at my best, I can decide football games.”
With Emery’s philosophy built around high-intensity, intelligent football, Rashford will be expected to adapt quickly. He embraces the challenge of pushing for silverware, making his objectives in terms of the Champions League clear.
“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.”
Ultimately, Rashford sees his time at Villa as a chance to jolt his footballing career back into life, at an age when he should be at his peak.
“That’ll be my only ambition and only goal, to help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history,” he concludes.
A Gamble That Could Pay Off for Villa
Villa’s move for Rashford is certaintly a calculated risk, but his mindset at least in his first interview suggests he is ready to embrace the challenge. If Emery can get the best out of him, this loan deal could prove to be a turning point for both club and player.
Rashford arrives with a winning mentality, and with Villa on the brink of something special, this could be the perfect storm for him to reignite his career.
Words are nice, but now, it’s up to him to deliver.
UTV
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