Marcus Rashford provided two assists as Aston Villa gunned down Chelsea.(Image: Getty Images). Marcus Rashford has already shown the talent he can bring to Aston Villa.. The Manchester United loanee was pivotal in sparking up a second-half revival for the Villans against Chelsea on Saturday evening, providing two assists to secure a 2-1 comeback. Coming off their bench at half-time, Rashford made his first Premier League assist since October and quickly became a menace for Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, contributing significantly to Unai Emery’s team’s turnaround.. The 27-year-old’s immediate impact was matched by the accolades that followed. Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp was effusive in his praise for the Villa forward – a stark contrast to his earlier remarks when the loan deal was finalised.. This time around, the 51-year-old was eager to praise Rashford’s virtues. Redknapp highlighted how Villa’s bold move paid off, saying: “That sub made all the difference. He was fantastic. The Holte End have a new hero.. “Rashford came on, he gave energy, enthusiasm, everything we want to see from him. The running, the desire. He was excellent. He gave them that impetus to put Chelsea on the back foot. That’s how to do the transfer window. That’s a masterclass. You look at other clubs and how they didn’t bring players in.. “I’m sure there are directors of football around the world with their head in their hands right now thinking; ‘Why didn’t I go and get Marcus Rashford’. I get the doubts. I would have been nervous about doing it. But right now it looks like Villa have got great business done. I’m pleased for him. It has been tough.. “Don’t get me wrong, there are elements where he should have done better, should have tried harder. But he’s certainly found a place where he’s loved, a good environment. Great business for Aston Villa.”. Redknapp’s comments follow on the concerns he raised when Villa had agreed the deal with United. The former Premier League ace had concerns about Rashford’s application for the Reds, and suggested that the move was a big gamble for the Midlands club.. “But when you look at the last two years, and two years is a long time in football,” he said. “It wasn’t a case of him being injured. Some of the clips of him strolling around went viral… I remember there was one against Luton when the ball was there and he was just jogging.. “You can’t do that when you’re a star player at Manchester United as you’ve got to be the man that’s going to lead from the front. You can talk about potential all day long, but he’s not a kid anymore. If this move happens for him it will be an unbelievable one, perhaps more than what he deserves right now because Villa’s a massive club.. “But it will be an opportunity to get his career going again, because that’s what he has got to do. Marcus Rashford is a massive risk. Take away his talent, if he comes in, doesn’t want to perform or doesn’t buy into the environment, then it can be detrimental, too.”. Article continues below. Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N’s unrivalled Manchester United coverage.. No adverts, pop-ups or distractions – just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible.. Comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the Reds, with agenda-setting breaking news and insight from Samuel Luckhurst and our authoritative team of United writers. Exclusive content for subscribers. New interactive elements including (coming soon) quizzes to test your United knowledge.. Try MUFC Pro for a front-row seat to the action at absolutely no cost for the first month. You can get started by downloading our app here on iPhone, or here on Android. If you already have our app, click on the ”MUFC Pro’,’ Subscribe’ or ‘ Remove ads’ links.. *Free trial auto renews at £19.99 annually unless cancelled. T&C’s apply. Ad-free indicates that you will not be shown standard display ad formats with the articles that you read, selected articles may contain commercial messages/affiliate links where contractually required.
