Unai Emery, the mastermind behind Aston Villa’s resurgence, has dropped a tantalising hint regarding Marcus Rashford’s future in the claret and blue. The Spaniard expressed his desire to integrate Rashford alongside Ollie Watkins, foreseeing it as “the next step” in the club’s evolution.
Debate rages on regarding the possibility of starting the duo in the upcoming face-off against Paris Saint-Germain. Emery’s comments on Monday suggested that Rashford could be more than just a temporary fix. With a £40 million purchase option reportedly included in the loan deal, Villa fans might soon see Rashford as a permanent feature in their squad.
As Villa trail 3-1 following their first leg clash in Paris, the club faces a daunting task at Villa Park, eager to make their first semi-final appearance in European competition in over forty years. Despite expectations of a full-throttle attacking performance, Emery has opted for restraint, deciding against fielding both England internationals, Watkins and Rashford, in tandem against the Parisians. “I won’t test the partnership in a match of this magnitude,” he stated bluntly.
In a first leg marked by the Parisians’ fluid football, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck early, yet Villa seemed poised to manage the onslaught. Morgan Rogers’ equaliser in the 35th minute offered a glimmer of hope, however Nuno Mendes’ late goal put the tie firmly in PSG’s favour, rendering Rogers’ effort potentially futile.
Emery, remaining upbeat, rallied supporters at Monday’s press conference, promising a resilient comeback. “We believe in our supporters, in our momentum, and in our structure. We want to write a new chapter in Aston Villa’s European history,” he declared.
On the potential Rashford-Watkins partnership, Emery elaborated, “The next step, if I have time, is to play them together. We’ve experimented with Rashford on the left, but both now fit more central profiles. I want to explore that pairing, but not without proper preparations.”
Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has been recapturing form, netting thrice and showcasing the characteristic pace and directness reminiscent of his early days at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Watkins, fresh from recovering from a knee issue, continues his brilliant form, tallying 15 goals this season for Villa.
Emery highlighted the necessity of nurturing their potential pairing delicately. “In matches like this, every detail matters. Every player must comprehend their role—emotionally, tactically, and structurally. We’ve thrived on balance and discipline, and I won’t disrupt that in pursuit of an untested dynamic,” he emphasised.
While Emery’s tactical insights provide a glimpse into his strategic planning, they also signify a long-term vision that sees Rashford remaining at Villa Park. Triumphing over PSG and securing another European campaign could be pivotal in securing Rashford’s services on a permanent basis.
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