Rashford proves Amorim “wrong” with impressive Premier League debut for Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford delivered a promising performance on his Premier League debut for Aston Villa, leading to question marks over Ruben Amorim’s decision to show him the exit door.
Rashford moved to Birmingham during the winter transfer window as United decided to loan him out to Villa for the remainder of the season.
Perhaps no one would have predicted the move just a few weeks ago considering the Englishman has been one of the Red Devils’ best attackers more or less every season since his debut under Louis van Gaal.
However, Ruben Amorim froze him out of the first team amid concerns over his work-rate in training.
Unai Emery expressed his desire to hand Rashford an opportunity to show his skill sets at Villa, who are aiming to go far in the Champions League. And early signs suggest the United academy product would repay his faith.
Rashford made his debut for the Lions in the FA Cup against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. He looked lively after being introduced late in the game.
Emery handed the left-winger his Premier League debut against Ipswich Town on Saturday. This time, Rashford was given more minutes to impress the Villa fans, as he replaced Jacob Ramsey at half-time.
The 27-year-old was electric and consistently tested Ipswich’s defence with his pace and dribbling. His nutmeg attempts got the crowd going at Villa Park.
Marcus Rashford’s game by numbers vs. Ipswich:
45 mins played
8 crosses
8 touches in opp. box
7 duels won
4 chances created
4 shots
3 successful take-ons
3 tackles
1 woodwork hitThe crossbar denies him a first Villa goal. pic.twitter.com/f6y2L48grM
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 15, 2025
Rashford also played a big part in Villa’s only goal in their 1-1 draw as it was his ferocious free-kick that rattled the post and handed Ollie Watkins a chance to put the ball into the empty net on the rebound.
His performance has sparked debate among United fans about Amorim’s decision to part ways with the England international.
They’ll sit there and watch this Rashford cameo and tell me that we couldn’t use him at United, ok man
— Ace (@speeds_c) February 15, 2025
Emery what a coach! He knows how to maximize Rashford from get go. Wow, he’s playing for the right coach. Hope he can continue playing like this and start scoring. He can improve his game further under Emery man. pic.twitter.com/C9M0iCn4Z1
— GK (@10Hagplease) February 15, 2025
Amorim failed to platform Rashford una. That’s an indictment of his coaching ability I’m sorry
— Ian (@IanM1st) February 15, 2025
Genuinely don’t have much sympathy for United or Amorim. They decided to sell players without any replacement. This situation was inevitable.
Amorim also chose a philosophy of his way or nothing. Kicked Rashford out of the squad. This may work out in the long term, but short…
— FPL Frasier (@FPLfrasier) February 15, 2025
United not only let Rashford leave, but they also loaned out Antony to Real Betis, leaving their already light attack even weaker.
Further, with Amad Diallo now set to miss the rest of the season, Amorim’s task of steadying the ship at Old Trafford has become a lot harder.