Marcus Rashford has cited Aston Villa’s constant ambition as the key factor behind his decision to join the club on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.
The 27-year-old forward had been out of favour at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim and had not featured for United since mid-December. Despite interest from AC Milan and Barcelona, Rashford opted for a switch to Villa Park, where he hopes to revitalise his career.
“It’s an ambitious time for this club and a great opportunity for me to join this team and help them keep pushing forward,” Rashford said after Villa confirmed his signing on Sunday. “I’m excited, can’t wait for the first training session and obviously the first game.”
Unai Emery’s side currently sit eighth in the Premier League, eight points ahead of United, and have a Champions League last-16 tie in March. The chance to play in Europe’s top competition was a major draw for Rashford, who is reportedly available for a permanent move in the summer for £40 million ($49 million).
“(Emery’s) a top manager and what he’s done for the club since coming in is unbelievable. It’s the constant ambition which is attractive and why you want to join such a club. You want to keep improving year on year,” Rashford added.
Rashford, who joined United as a seven-year-old, made a promising start under Amorim, scoring in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich and twice against Everton. However, he was soon frozen out over concerns about his attitude and managed just seven goals in 24 appearances this season.
The England international is eager to rediscover his best form at Villa, where he could make his debut in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Tottenham.
“I’ve had to choose somewhere where I feel my style of football is suited and can help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player,” he said. “Obviously it’s only short term I’m here, so I want to make the most of my time here.”
Confident in his ability to make an impact, Rashford added: “I know I can hurt teams, I know when I’m playing at my best I can decide football games. That’ll be my only ambition and only goal, to help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history.”
