Marcus Rashford's move to Aston Villa could be the catalyst for his return to top form.
After a tumultuous period at Manchester United, Rashford joined Villa on a loan deal that includes an option to buy for 40 million pounds.
Rashford, who dazzled with 30 goals in the 2022/23 season, has not replicated that success since. His transfer to Villa was partly spurred by a public fallout with Manchester United’s then-manager Ruben Amorim.
In his debut for Villa, Rashford played the last 30 minutes in their FA Cup victory against Tottenham, showing glimpses of his former self.
To ensure his performance scales new heights, Winter has suggested three strategic adjustments:
1. Positioning: Winter emphasized that Rashford should be deployed on the left wing rather than as a central striker. “That has to be the approach Marcus Rashford takes to this wonderful opportunity handed him by Unai Emery at Aston Villa,” Winter wrote.
2. Team Synergy: Playing alongside Lucas Digne, who loves to bomb forward from left-back, would enhance Rashford’s ability to cut inside and be more effective. “Lucas Digne’s love of getting forward from left-back will also help Rashford, who is far more effective playing higher up the field,” Winter noted.
3. Support Up Front: Winter suggested that Rashford would thrive with Ollie Watkins leading the line rather than new signing Donyell Malen. “He was a threat, and will be even more so when Ollie Watkins is fit and Rashford can attack more off the left,” he added.
Rashford’s integration into the squad, however, hasn’t been universally welcomed.
The Daily Mail reported that his inclusion in the Champions League squad, alongside Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio, meant that Malen and Andres Garcia were left out.
This decision has reportedly left Malen, who joined from Borussia Dortmund for about 21 million pounds, “extremely unhappy.”
Emery acknowledged the tension, suggesting that Malen was not pleased with being excluded from the Champions League squad. “Emery effectively admitted Malen was furious to be omitted,” according to The Mail.
With these adjustments and the right support, Rashford has the platform at Villa to prove his worth again in the Premier League, under the demanding yet potentially rewarding management of Unai Emery.
