Marcus Rashford scored his first two goals for Aston Villa to guide his loan club past Preston North End and into the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon
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Updated 17:46, 30 Mar 2025
Marcus Rashford has made 10 appearances for Aston Villa during his loan spell
Marcus Rashford has made 10 appearances for Aston Villa during his loan spell
Unai Emery insists he simply doesn't have time to think about whether or not Aston Villa will turn Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United into a permanent deal as Villa go for glory on two fronts.
On Sunday Rashford scored his first two goals for Villa as they beat Preston North End 3-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace, and Emery also has a two-legged Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain next month on the horizon.
The England international has enjoyed a new lease of life since leaving United on a temporary basis in January having fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim, and Villa have an option to turn the loan into a permanent £40million move in the summer.
READ MORE: Marcus Rashford aims subtle dig at Ruben Amorim after Aston Villa heroics in FA CupREAD MORE: Marcus Rashford finally has his swagger back as Aston Villa star sets the record straight
Emery says that decision can wait though, and the Spanish boss instead shifts his focus to the return to Premier League action in midweek.
"Not yet," said Emery when asked if a decision on Rashford had been made. "The most important thing is the challenge now and this afternoon, recovering and then preparing for the match against Brighton tomorrow.
"Still there are a lot of matches to play. If we are in the Champions League, if we are in the Europa League, if we are in the European Conference League or not in Europe or winning a trophy, it is completely different.
Marcus Rashford scored his first two goals for Aston Villa at Preston
Marcus Rashford scored his first two goals for Aston Villa at Preston
"A decision about each individual players… it is to get the best of them and the best of us. We don’t want to waste time thinking about it."
Emery also praised Rashford's performance on what was his 10th appearance for Villa since joining in January. "Firstly, his commitment to work and adapt quickly is very important. He is doing it," he said.
"To feel comfortable playing at his best level, there is still work to do. Weeks to get it. Today, he did one step forward, feeling comfortable, gaining confidence and scoring goals.
Unai Emery says Aston Villa can't afford to lose focus
Unai Emery says Aston Villa can't afford to lose focus(Image: Getty Images)
"There is still work to do and adaptation to get together, the teammates and himself. Today, I think this was one step forward.
"He was coming here in the last two months not training consistently and not feeling very fit in the first matches with us. After playing more and with the national team, it has helped him to feel better. Today was confirmation of his progression with us."
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