Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender, has expressed his views on Marcus Rashford's current predicament and the potential for a loan move to Aston Villa. In Neville's assessment, Villa represents a "far better team" than United at this juncture, particularly given Rashford's struggles under manager Ruben Amorim, who has been openly critical of the forward's recent performances.
Reports from Football365 indicate that Rashford has been sidelined by Amorim since early December, with the manager voicing his dissatisfaction with the player's contributions. This ongoing tension has sparked speculation about a loan move to Villa, which includes an option for a permanent transfer set at £40 million following the loan period. Neville believes that this transition is not only advantageous for Rashford but also essential for his career development.
"It had to happen. He had to get out of the club. He's been battered in the last few weeks by his manager. That's the most important person in football, your coach," Neville remarked during a segment on Sky Sports. He elaborated on the severity of Amorim's comments, stating, "Some of the statements from Ruben Amorim towards Marcus Rashford have been brutal, emphatically saying he doesn't want him. I don't see how there's any way back after the comments made."
Turning his attention to Villa, Neville highlighted the positive aspects that could enhance Rashford's performance. "He's going to a far better team at this moment in time. He's going to a coach who's world class, which I think is a real opportunity for him. I think it puts pressure on Marcus to perform for Unai Emery," he noted.
Neville further emphasised that if Rashford struggles under Emery, it would raise questions about the effectiveness of previous management teams, including Amorim and Erik Ten Hag. "Unai Emery can't be the problem for Marcus Rashford; he has to play well for him," he explained. He also pointed out that Villa's playing style could be well-suited to Rashford's strengths.
"Maybe the spotlight won't be on him quite as much as at Manchester United, but certainly there'll still be a lot of attention. They're in a lot of competitions, they've still got a lot to play for. It's a real opportunity for Marcus. The last thing he needs now is for someone to say 'go on, enjoy yourself'. He needs to have discipline in his game," Neville assessed.
He underscored the importance of effective coaching for Rashford, asserting that he requires clear guidance on expectations. "Unai Emery will do that. He's an absolutely amazing coach and he's exactly what Marcus Rashford needs, and what he's got to do is buy into it," he asserted.
Adding to Neville's insights, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Rashford's loan to Aston Villa is imminent, with the player reportedly having agreed to personal terms. There are indications that Villa may cover up to 90 per cent of Rashford's substantial wages during his loan period. Furthermore, Manchester United is reportedly considering Villa winger Leon Bailey as a potential replacement for the departing Rashford.
This evolving situation underscores a mutual desire between Rashford and Aston Villa for a successful partnership, with both parties optimistic about the prospects of this collaboration.