Aston Villa has made significant moves during the winter transfer window, acquiring Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio as part of their strategy to strengthen their squad and aim for European competition. Both players have faced challenges at their previous clubs, but manager Unai Emery believes he can help them return to their best form.
Rashford, who joined Villa on loan, has been supported financially by the club, which covers up to 90 percent of his hefty weekly wage, rumored to be over £325,000, depending on performance bonuses. Meanwhile, Marco Asensio, also on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is seeing his full salary paid by Villa, as reported by multiple sources. Both players have yet to start but have made positive impressions off the bench during their tenure so far.
Emery, speaking before Villa’s key matchup against Liverpool, expressed his confidence in both players, stating, "Hopefully they will achieve together their best level." He emphasized the unique qualities of Mohamed Salah, highlighting the challenge Rashford and Assensio face to reach similar levels of output. Although the pair do not boast Salah’s remarkable goal-scoring and assisting records, Emery believes they hold significant potential and ability to contribute to the team.
After his recent transfer, Marco Asensio is expected to be pivotal for Aston Villa. Having previously played for European powerhouses Real Madrid and PSG, he carries the pedigree necessary to make an impact. Reports from Football Insider reveal Villa’s coaching staff have been pleased with his contributions during his initial appearances, and Emery's team is reportedly exploring permanent options for his signing.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown commented, "He’s a player with proven ability at the very top level. The clubs he’s been at in his career, he’s got plenty of experience with the very best sides, and that's only come as a boost to Villa and their European hopes." Brown believes the coaching staff is already working behind the scenes to secure his transfer permanently, indicating Villa's determination to bolster their midfield for the long term.
Since arriving at Villa Park, having made only two cameo appearances, the 29-year-old midfielder has yet to fully showcase his talents. Despite having remarkable statistics from his time at Real Madrid—61 goals and 32 assists across 286 games—there is still much for him to prove at Aston Villa. His two appearances so far included a second-half substitution against Tottenham and another cameo against Ipswich Town, but fans and management alike are eager to see him integrated as a starter.
With the pressure mounting on Aston Villa to utilize their new talents efficiently, Emery aims to maximize their strengths and adapt his strategies to fit Rashford’s and Aseinsio's playing styles. "I think Emery and his staff will have been impressed as well, and they’ll already have started working behind the scenes to see if they can make the move permanent," added Brown.
Alongside Rashford's signing, Villa also invested in Donyell Malen, as striker Jhon Duran moved to Al-Nassr for £65 million. Emery’s team remains active on the market as they search for additional attacking options to fortify their squad.
While Rashford’s future has been under scrutiny, with reports of potential interest from Barcelona, his immediate focus will be on succeeding at Villa Park. Emery's philosophy includes not only scoring goals but also creating chances, and he believes Rashford can find his rhythm once again as he adapts to Villa's tactical approach.
Comparatively, Emery has recognized the differences between Häshford and Salah, stating, "The players we have have different qualities." Meanwhile, it's clear he still expects them to contribute as both scorers and creators for the team. The new signings will need time to gel with current squad members, but the initial signs are promising for Villa supporters.
Heading down the home stretch of the season, Aston Villa is targeting results to make their case for European competition as the duo of Rashford and Aseinsio look to step up and fulfill high expectations. If they can return to their best levels, the prospects could be bright for both players and the club as they strive for glory.
Unai Emery is known for his ability to rejuvenate players, and with the right support from him and the coaching staff, it seems only time will tell if Rashford and Aseinsio can aid Aston Villa's aspirations for success this season.