Manchester United were haunted by Anthony Elanga on Tuesday night, just 24 hours before Marcus Rashford fired Aston Villa to victory.
There has long been a theory that players seem to perform better away from Manchester United.
The last few days have supported that theory with United losing 1-0 at Nottingham Forest thanks to a goal from Anthony Elanga.
Ruben Amorim suggested that Elanga and others had their chance at United and didn’t fully grasp it, leaving him to focus on the players he has now rather than those who have departed.
United flop Antony has caught the attention of Atletico Madrid, having impressed during his time on loan at Real Betis.
As if that wasn’t enough, Marcus Rashford has now scored three goals in a matter of days as he continues to rejuvenate his career at Aston Villa.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford celebrates latest Aston Villa goal
Rashford quickly fell out of Amorim’s plans, and United allowed him to join Villa on loan for the rest of the season, with an option to buy.
Rashford’s performances have improved, but it took him until Sunday to score his first goals for Villa, bagging a brace in an FA Cup win over Preston North End.
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If goals against a Championship side didn’t impress, perhaps Rashford opening the scoring against Brighton and Hove Albion on Wednesday night grabbed more attention.
Rashford raced clear of the Seagulls defence to slot home his third goal in a matter of days, helping Villa secure a 3-0 victory.
The United loanee took to Instagram after the final whistle to celebrate, stating ‘Great win away! Let’s keep building’.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez offered just a one-word verdict on Rashford, stating ‘Baller’ after his latest goal.
Villa teammates Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers offered their support for Rashford too, with the England international enjoying a strong week in claret and blue.
Unai Emery on Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s future is on the line here; he is unlikely to have a future under Amorim and needs to impress at Villa, either to land a permanent stay at Villa Park or attract interest elsewhere.
The last few days will undoubtedly aid Rashford’s cause, and Villa boss Unai Emery has offered praise.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Emery noted that Rashford is ‘feeling confident’ and ‘getting better’ in the Villa side.
Emery is challenging Rashford to keep up this level of performance, believing that his ability and experience are so vital to Villa.
“This is the challenge he has. He is getting better and feeling confident, understanding our demands. We are trying to get the best out of the players. His qualities and experience are very important in our squad. Each match he plays for us is very important,” said Emery.
Villa are chasing a top-four finish and are still in both the Champions League and FA Cup, meaning Rashford could enjoy a huge end to the season.