Wayne Rooney made it clear he wants to see Marcus Rashford back at Manchester United after watching the forward impress for Aston Villa on Tuesday night, but recognised a concerning aspect to the forward’s decision to leave on loan. Rashford played more than an hour against Paris Saint-Germain, delivering a fine assist for Ezri Konsa, but Villa weren’t quite able to pull off a miracle comeback.
After losing 3-1 at the Parc des Princes, Villa fell 2-0 down inside 30 minutes at home but battled back and were only denied extra-time by some big Gianluigi Donnarumma saves. Unai Emery’s side now have the task of returning to Premier League action and getting the points they need to return to Europe’s top table next season.
Speaking on Amazon Prime after the game, Rashford’s former United team-mate Rooney suggested Villa will need Champions League football next term if they want to extend the forward’s stay. However, he made it clear that his preference was for the 27-year-old to return to his parent club.
“A big thing for them now is finishing in the Champions League,” Rooney said. “You see Asensio, Rashford for them to keep those players – and I hope they don’t.
“I hope Marcus Rashford goes back to Manchester United and performs like he did tonight. That’s what we all want to see as Manchester United fans. But to keep those players and attract those Champions League players they have to finish in the Champions League, otherwise this would be a waste.”
“This is what I was saying before about Aston Villa needing Champions League to attract top players,” Rooney added after Rashford delivered a sixth Villa assist to go with his three goals for the club. “And Marcus Rashford clearly feels he has a better chance of performing better and winning trophies with Aston Villa.
“That’s a big worry for Manchester United, but for Aston Villa, that’s a positive sign. From Marcus Rashford’s point of view, I really want to see him like he was tonight, showing all his qualities.”
Former England striker Daniel Sturridge admitted he didn’t have any inside info on Rashford’s future but recognised how things have changed for the forward this stason. “I don’t know what he plans to do, I think every player wants to be on the football pitch and they want their manager to have total belief in them as a football player,” Sturridge said.
“He’s been in these moments at Manchester United where he’s playing week in and week out and feels full of life. I think since he’s joined Aston Villa, we’ve seen that version of him.
“In the early parts of this season I don’t think he was himself. But with Aston Villa, he’s come back to himself and is playing with confidence.
“The future is in Manchester United’s hands at the end of the day, he’s their player. But he’s going to have options if they don’t want him. But if I’m Manchester United and looking at how he’s performed here…I figure out how we can make it work.”
Former Villa and United star Ashley Young delivered a similar verdict. “It’s like what Daniel said, he’s only on loan here,” the veteran said.
“Man United could get him back or could let him go again. It’s obviously up to the manager, I think in Marcus’ head, all he wants to do is play football.”
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