Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, expressed his enthusiasm for the "huge challenge" of revitalizing Marcus Rashford's career following Rashford's loan move from Manchester United. The loan agreement, which lasts until the end of the season, includes an option for a permanent transfer come summer. Emery remains optimistic about the January transfer window and is particularly pleased with Rashford's signing.
Rashford's transfer comes after a difficult period at Manchester United, where new manager Ruben Amorim sidelined him. Amorim criticized Rashford's training performances, stating he couldn't align with the club's style under his leadership. Rashford, who has struggled with form over recent years, welcomed the opportunity to join Aston Villa and aims to reignite his career under Emery's guidance.
Unai Emery made significant changes in the January transfer window, altering five players. However, due to regulations, he could only register three players for the squad. Andreas Garcia and Donyell Malen were excluded from the 25-man Champions League lineup for the knockout rounds. Emery explained this decision candidly to both players.
"The rules only can register three changes." – Unai Emery
"We changed five players and only we can register three." – Unai Emery
"The decision we had to take and they are out, Andreas Garcia and Donyell Malen. It was not a good decision, but I spoke with Andreas and Donyell Malen to tell them the decision and I argued my decision with them." – Unai Emery
Despite these challenges, Emery is focused on the future with Rashford. He praised Rashford's training performance and hinted at his potential debut against Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round this Sunday. With Ollie Watkins sidelined due to a groin injury sustained last week against Wolves, Rashford's inclusion in the squad might be timely.
"Today he trained fantastic, tomorrow again, Sunday match." – Unai Emery
Emery remains cautious about Rashford's long-term future at Villa Park, preferring to concentrate on immediate goals rather than speculate on what lies ahead.
"We will enjoy each step and then the future is only building with the present." – Unai Emery
"If we try and get the future before building the present it's impossible, if we do it we'll crash." – Unai Emery
Rashford's potential is undeniable, and Emery is keen to help him regain his form both individually and as part of the team. Emery's commitment to Rashford's development reflects his belief in the player's ability.
"I think his potential is huge potential to exploit. I am very happy to try to exploit and help him recover his performances, individually and collectively. My challenge with him is huge. His challenge with us is exciting" – Unai Emery
Roy Keane, however, questioned Rashford's move to Villa, acknowledging the significant task ahead for Emery in helping the player return to his best.
"It is sad but has been on the cards the last year or two" – Roy Keane
Emery remains confident in his recent transfer dealings and views Rashford as a valuable addition to the team.
"I'm very happy with the window we did, I'm very happy with him." – Unai Emery
"The conversation I had with him was a very normal conversation with a player and coach, speaking about football." – Unai Emery
"I only want the best football from him. As a person as well into the dressing room like one more player helping us." – Unai Emery
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