Rashford impresses Villa boss teammates in win over Chelsea

LONDON – Aston Villa boss Unai Emery was full of praise for newcomer Marcus Rashford, the former Manchester United forward who has quickly made a terrific impression with his new team.

Rashford, who was signed by Villa on loan from United earlier in February, was a half-time substitute in the 2-1 English Premier League home victory over Chelsea on Feb 22, assisting both goals by fellow newcomer Marco Asensio. Enzo Fernandez had scored the game’s opener in the ninth minute before Villa fought back.

Two months after Rashford fell out of favour with United boss Ruben Amorim – and after months of criticism about what many called a lack of passion and effort – the match marked the 27-year-old’s best in a long while.

“(We want to) support him. Help him. Try to help him to feel comfortable here. Try to help him get confidence with us. Try to use his skill in our tactical idea, try to be demanding with him,” Emery told Sky Sports.

“Of course, he played a fantastic 45 minutes. We now want to be consistent. Hopefully, he is going to be important, like today, but then more and more and more.

“The most important for him is to try to be here with us and be confident and comfortable in a good atmosphere and this is my objective.”

Rashford has looked keen to impress at Villa since his arrival, and his teammates and fans have returned the favour with a warm welcome.

His speed made him a threat on the left flank throughout the second half at Villa Park as fans cheered him on.

“Very pleased (to acquire Rashford),especially the way he is performing now and with the two assists today,” Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans said.

“Marcus is someone who can threaten everyone. He