Marcus Rashford is performing better at Aston Villa under Unai Emery than under Ruben Amorim because he is being given “clear instructions” about his position, according to ex-team-mate Joe Hart. Rashford fell out with Amorim after being accused of “not giving the maximum” in training and was loaned to Villa in January.
Rashford has shown glimpses of his old self and was the hero in their 3-0 win over Preston in the FA Cup quarter-finals, netting twice to send Villa to the semi-finals at Wembley.
The 27-year-old now has two goals and four assists under new boss Emery and Hart – who played with Rashford during their time together with the England team – feels he is flourishing under much more concise coaching instructions.
The retired former Manchester City, Tottenha, and Celtic keeper insisted there were no questions over Rashford’s position under Emery because the Spaniard had given him a clear idea of what he wanted him to do.
He told BBC Sport: “You are constantly being asked questions at the ,top and maybe Rashford found himself in a ,lull but he has come here with people around him that know what they are doing.
“He hasn’t come here with question marks about how he is going to behave and what he is going to do and how he can change the team.
“When he was at Manchester United towards the end of his career there, it was constantly where and how is he going to play. Nobody questions Unai Emery. He isn’t questioned in the media because he has established himself, and where he is asked to play; he will play with quality and with clear instruction.
Villa have an option to buy Rashford for £ 40 million this summer, though club chiefs might struggle to afford his £325,000-a-week wages, and there have been some claims he could return to Old Trafford.
But his future does appear to be untenable at United after his commitment was questioned by Amorim, who said he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench at the end of January.
Rashford aimed a subtle dig at Amorim after his match-winning display against Preston, saying he was improving and building up his fitness after missing a lot of football at Old Trafford.
“It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’sobviouse for a forward to get a g,oalso, hopefully it continues.
“I think I can still get fitter. I had missed a lot of football before joining up with them. At the minute, my body feels good, I’m injury-fre,and a I’m enjoying my football, so all good for now.”
