Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a new lease of life since joining Aston Villa but his Manchester United career looks to be over after falling out with Ruben Amorim
07:49, 31 Mar 2025Updated 07:54, 31 Mar 2025
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford does not appear to have a future at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's resurgence at Aston Villa under the guidance of Unai Emery has been chalked up to "clear instructions".
The England international, 27, had a nightmare spell at Manchester United with Ruben Amorim, leading to a loan move in January after being criticised for his effort levels in training.
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Rashford's return to form was highlighted by a standout performance in Villa's 3-0 triumph over Preston in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where he bagged a brace to secure their spot in the semis at Wembley.
With two goals and four assists to his name since Emery took the reins, former England team-mate Joe Hart believes the forward is thriving thanks to precise coaching from the Spanish manager, reports the Mirror.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the retired goalie praised Emery's clear direction, saying: "You are constantly being asked questions at the top and maybe Rashford found himself in a lull but he has come here with people around him that know what they are doing.
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring Aston Villa's first goal against Preston in their FA Cup quarter final
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring Aston Villa's first goal against Preston in their FA Cup quarter final(Image: PA)
Hart continued, highlighting the positive environment at Villa. He said: "He hasn't come here with question marks about how he is going to behave and what he is going to do and how he can change the team."
"When he was at Manchester United towards the end of his career there, it was constantly where and how is he going to play. Nobody questions Unai Emery.
"He isn't questioned in the media because he has established himself and where he is asked to play he will play with quality and with clear instruction."
Villa have a £40m option to sign Rashford permanently in the summer but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to meet his substantial wage demands, making a return to Old Trafford still a possibility.
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But after his United commitment was questioned by Amorim, who said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the United bench, it seems very unlikely he has a future there.
Rashford also made a dig at Amorim after his winning performance against Preston, as he said he was getting fitter and building up his fitness after missing a lot of football at Old Trafford.
Rashford said: "It's a great feeling, I feel like I've been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here. It's obviously nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues.
"I think I can still get fitter. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. At the minute my body feels good, I'm injury-free and I'm enjoying my football, so all good for now."
Villa return to Premier League action when they travel to Brighton on Wednesday night, as the ninth-placed Midlanders look to fight their way back into contention for Champions League qualification.
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Along with an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace to look forward to, the Villains will soon face Paris St Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, United remain slumped in 13th in the Premier League, with overcoming Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals and going on to win the competition their only remaining hope of silverware and getting back into the Champions League.