Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker agree on Marcus Rashford after Aston Villa debut, Man United will be pleased

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have both reflected on Marcus Rashford making his Aston Villa debut against Tottenham Hotspur on the weekend.

Marcus Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in the January transfer window, securing a move for the remainder of the season.

The 27-year-old had not played for United since early December and had previously hinted in an interview that he was open to exploring new opportunities.

Rashford made an encouraging start to life at Villa Park, delivering an energetic performance off the bench in his debut against Tottenham.

Operating as a lone striker, he won four of his six duels, completed 13 of 14 passes, made a successful tackle, and beat his marker with a take-on.

One of his most memorable moments came when he shifted out to the left wing, nutmegged Pedro Porro, and drove into the box. Although Porro attempted to recover and fouled him, the referee waved play on.

Lineker and Shearer agree on Rashford after debut

Rashford will be hoping to build on that cameo in the Premier League next week, with Villa facing Ipswich Town at home. The 27-year-old could start that clash after impressing off the bench.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer both were impressed by Rashford’s debut in a Villa shirt, with the latter suggesting that this loan spell is the “last chance saloon” for the player.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I thought Rashford looked lively, he had a couple of good runs, a nice little nutmeg and he was a threat down that left-hand side. 

“So, hopefully this is the bolt he needs to get him back playing well because there’s so much talent in there.

Shearer responded: “It has to be, Gaz. I said it’s like the last chance saloon, he’s been given another opportunity at a football club with a top manager who wants to get the best out of him. It’s up to him now.

“But he made a good start when he came on as a substitute.”

United will be pleased with loanees

For supporters, it may not feel great to see a player like Rashford get off to a good start away from the club but those at United will be pleased.

The 27-year-old thriving at Villa is the best possible outcome for United for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, the Midlands club are due to cover a higher percentage of the player’s wages if he does well at Villa Park, which would be helpful.

Secondly, and more importantly, Rashford doing well this season would mean that suiters would be more likely to be willing to spend more on him in the summer. The same is true of Antony at Real Betis and Tyrell Malacia at PSV Eindhoven.

Read More: Antony makes “hard to understand” admission after first Real Betis goal, he says change is needed

An in-form Rashford has been brilliant for United and he would be an in-demand player in the transfer market. If his future does not lay at Old Trafford then a great end to the season would only be good for United if they are looking to move him on.

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