How Rashford's career was saved

Rashford revived in Aston Villa shirt.

In January 2025, when the winter transfer window was entering its final stages, Rashford's future at Manchester United was almost over. From a bright star, he became redundant under coach Ruben Amorim, who openly questioned the 27-year-old striker's commitment and attitude. But instead of rushing to find a new destination, Rashford chose to wait for Barcelona - the team he always dreamed of playing for.

The fateful turn

Rashford's agent even met with Barca's leadership in Lisbon to discuss the deal. However, the financial burden prevented the Catalan club from moving forward with the deal. Then, a phone call from Unai Emery changed everything.

"You will be an important part of my Champions League project," Emery said briefly but convincingly. Without promising titles or painting a distant vision, Emery only offered Rashford one thing: the chance to do it again.

Aston Villa loaned Rashford until the end of the season, agreeing to pay 75% of his salary and including a £40m buyout clause. After just a few games, all initial doubts disappeared. Rashford - with the number 9 shirt on his back - seemed to be a different person.

In his first nine games, he provided four assists - all for Marco Asensio. The unlikely but effective combination of the two loan signings made Villa's attack flexible and unpredictable. The biggest highlight was the comeback against Chelsea, where Rashford came on with the home team 0-1 down and played a big part in Villa's 2-1 win.

In the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Club Brugge, Rashford played the full 90 minutes for the first time this season, assisted the decisive goal and showed that he is still at the top of his game.

Rashford was recalled to the England squad after exploding for Aston Villa.

Just a month after moving to Birmingham, Rashford received big news: he was recalled to the England squad by new head coach Thomas Tuchel. A remarkable turnaround for a man who was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro squad and has not been called up since March 2024.

"Rashford has had a very clear impact at Aston Villa. Especially when he comes off the bench, he brings a big change: speed, pressing and effort without the ball. We want to give him the opportunity to maintain his form and not fall back into the same old pattern," Tuchel shared.

Since making his England debut at the age of 18 under Roy Hodgson, Rashford has made 60 appearances and scored 17 goals. But 2024 has been a forgettable year. Once a big hope after a breakout 2022/23 season, his form has fallen into oblivion - until Emery came to his rescue.

Emery and the art of human management

When asked why he put his faith in a player who has been heavily criticised, Emery replied simply: “I don’t need to know the reason why he left MU. I just need to know what he can bring to Villa.”

He doesn't ask too much of Rashford, just that he integrates and fights like other teammates. And in return, Rashford gives Emery what Villa needs: a real explosive player, an experienced support in big matches.

"We want Rashford to feel trusted, demanded, and have a goal to achieve. I believe he has huge untapped potential, and Villa is the ideal place to do that," Emery said.

Rashford is playing well for Villa.

Aston Villa are currently 9th in the Premier League with 45 points, just 4 points behind 4th place. With their current momentum, the dream of Champions League next season is not far away.

More importantly, Rashford has found the most precious thing: the motivation to play football. No more anxious eyes, no more heavy steps, now he plays football with joy and confidence - the thing that made his name from the early days at Old Trafford.

Unai Emery's call could not only change Marcus Rashford's career, it could change the course of Aston Villa's season. In football, a simple honest conversation can turn things around - and that's where the personality of the manager comes in.

Rashford is rewriting the next chapter of his career. Not at Camp Nou, not at Wembley, but at Villa Park - under the guidance of Unai Emery.