The tenure of Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa has begun. Fans have expressed their opinions about the 27-year-old winger’s first performance at Villa Park after he replaced Leon Bailey in the 67th minute against Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.
Rashford’s effect was one of the few players Manchester United has had since Sir Alex Ferguson left the team. A Carrington alumnus, he scored 138 goals and provided 63 assists before being benched by current Old Trafford manager Ruben Amorim.
His possible suitors before the move to Aston Villa included Barcelona, but the La Liga team’s players were cautious about his entrance because they believed his high salary would complicate matters for the five-time European winners.
He signed a six-month contract with Unai Emery’s team, which is fighting for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. However, how did his opening minutes in the claret and blue of Aston Villa go?
Rashford’s Initial Experience at Aston Villa
In the 67th minute, the former Manchester United outcast took Leon Bailey’s place.
Rashford has only been in Birmingham for a few days after signing a contract in January, so it was extremely improbable that he would start against Spurs. Instead, Morgan Rogers, Donyell Malen, Jacob Ramsey, and the previously mentioned Bailey got things started.
Two minutes after Rogers scored his team’s second goal of the match, his introduction was greeted with thunderous applause. Villa Park, which is considered to be one of the greatest stadiums in Premier League history, is eager to see what he can do.
Together with fellow rookie Marco Asensio, who formerly played for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, he was eager to leave his mark by leading Aston Villa to the FA Cup final 16 for the first time since 2015, which he accomplished with his deft link-up play.
Marcus Rashford vs Tottenham pic.twitter.com/wSZnjC2x6P
— Dzner™️ (@DznerV3) February 9, 2025
Jacob Ramsey and Rogers scored goals in the second and sixty-five minutes, respectively, but Emery’s team managed to hold out for a 2-1 victory despite Mathys Tel’s late goal for the visitors. However, Rashford enjoyed 22 touches of the ball during his 24-minute cameo.
Regretfully, the dynamic forward joined the battle while his team was ahead and trying to maintain their slim lead. As a result, he rarely had the chance to run behind and skilfully combine with teammates.
Unfortunately, his 93% passing accuracy (13/14) was the highlight of his first few minutes in an Aston Villa uniform. Furthermore, he finished three of his five duels on deck and his one battle in the air, demonstrating his strength when facing the opponent.
Out of sorts at Amorim’s Manchester United, as shown by his minutes—or lack thereof—in the latter half of his tenure at Old Trafford, and the veteran forward’s slot became available when Jhon Duran left for Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.
Putting statistics aside, Rashford will be most happy when he plays with a smile on his face. The supporters inside Villa Park greeted him as though he were one of their own; he gave Manchester United one of the greatest Premier League debuts ever, and now is not the time to bask in his own glory.
Fans React to Rashford’s Aston Villa Debut
‘Playing with much better players does make a difference’
Supporters have discussed Rashford’s brief yet endearing appearance in the Midlands on X, formerly Twitter. One supporter commented, citing the enthusiastic reaction of the home crowd each time he got the ball:
With the supporters applauding every move Rashford makes, this is precisely how you get the most out of him.
“This Rashford cameo has added 2 more years to my lifespan,” one person joked, while another praised his ability to put the ball through the opponents’ legs. “My life expectancy will increase by one year with each Rashford nutmeg between now and May.”
One fan tweeted, “Rashford is balling out there man,” criticising Manchester United and the depressing nature of their current situation. It does make a difference to play with considerably more skilled players.
RASHFORD OMDSSSSSSSS
pic.twitter.com/4Jj1gKjjEd— ⚡ (@UTDCJ_) February 9, 2025
It’s unclear how Rashford will fit into the Spanish tactician’s plans, but as long as it’s a new beginning, Emery is fortunate to have a wealth of offensive talent at his disposal, including the all-action John McGinn and the talismanic Ollie Watkins.
One that might put him back in the running for England. Rashford has a good chance of playing frequently in the 2026 World Cup, which newly appointed coach Thomas Tuchel hopes would break the Three Lions’ trophy curse.
Marcus Rashford: Statistics for the Club
Club
Games
Objectives
Helps
Red/Yellow Cards
Manchester United
426
138
63
36/2
Manchester United U21
8.
One
0
0/0
Manchester United U19
5.
3.
0
0/0
Villa Aston
One
0
0
0/0
Manchester United U18
One
One
0
1/0
