Marco Asensio: Former Real Madrid player shining at Aston Villa
Asensio isn’t the only player to flourish since moving to Aston Villa, and Rashford seems to have started a tough season at Manchester United.
Rashford has been struggling with Old Trafford and found himself not in the photo under Ruben Amorim.
However, moving to Villa and playing with Asensio seemed to bring him back to his best.
Since its debut on February 9, Rashford has created opportunities in all matches than any other Premier League player (13).
Against Cardiff, Rashford created six chances for Aston Villa, which is equivalent to the most he has created in his 426 matches for Manchester United (six-hit wigan at Manchester United in January 2024).
He hasn’t scored yet, although given his performance so far will certainly be earlier than later.
“Aston Villa gave him a lifeline,” former Arsenal forward Ian Wright said on ITV Sport.
“It seems to have ended at Manchester United. He needs to rebuild his confidence, he is 27 and must prove that he has a lot to give him. Villa gave him a good chance.
“The situation in Aston Villa can be very exciting, and it’s the new exciting Aston Villa forward.”
Next, Emery believes that Asensio and Rashford keeping themselves in shape is key to Villa’s ambitions this season in the final 16 games of the Champions League at Club Brugge Up.
“We need (Asensio), we need Rashford,” he said.
“We need to join the players in the last window. We need players who come back from the injury. In the next few weeks and months, every player has to play.
“Now, we’re focused on the Champions League. We’re there, we have to enjoy and compete.”
