As the season draws to a close, Unai Emery's plans for Aston Villa are beginning to take shape, especially concerning the attacking duo of Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins. The Villa boss has hinted at a potential shift to a two-striker system, a move that could significantly impact the club's performance in the upcoming 2025-2026 campaign.
Emery, who has been vocal about his tactical aspirations, recently stated, "The next step - if I have time - is to play them together. We did with Rashford playing left side but now we are choosing more with both playing as strikers. That's the next step. I want to practice, I want to test but not now with enough time." This statement suggests that while the idea is on the table, immediate implementation is not feasible due to time constraints.
Currently, Rashford is on loan from Manchester United and has made a notable impact during his stint at Villa Park, contributing eight goals in 14 appearances. His recent form, which includes three goals, has rekindled the explosive pace and directness that characterized his earlier years at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Watkins has also been in fine form, netting 15 goals this season, making the prospect of a dual-striker setup even more enticing.
However, the immediate focus for Aston Villa is their challenging Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After trailing 3-1 on aggregate following the first leg in Paris, Villa faces a daunting task at home. Emery has made it clear that despite the pressing need for an attacking approach, he will not rush the partnership of Rashford and Watkins. "We believe in our supporters, in our momentum, and in our structure. We want to write a new chapter in Aston Villa’s European history," he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining balance and discipline in their gameplay.
As Villa prepares for the return leg against PSG, Emery's tactical decisions will be under scrutiny. He has resisted calls to start both Rashford and Watkins together in such a crucial match, stating, "I won’t test the partnership… in a match of this magnitude." This highlights his cautious approach, prioritizing stability over experimentation in high-stakes situations.
In addition to the tactical discussions, the future of Rashford at Aston Villa remains uncertain. The club reportedly holds a £40 million option to buy the forward, and Emery has indicated that he sees Rashford as a long-term asset. "I want to test that partnership, but not now – not in a match of this magnitude without proper preparation," he reiterated, hinting at the possibility of securing Rashford's services permanently if Villa can navigate the financial aspects effectively.
However, there are murmurs of interest from other clubs, particularly Crystal Palace, who are reportedly ready to pounce should Villa decide against activating their option to buy. With the Eagles eyeing a move for Rashford, the pressure is on Villa to make a decision that could shape their attacking lineup for years to come. A source close to the situation noted, "Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United. There is a good buzz around the club at the moment and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract."
The stakes are high not only for Aston Villa in their European aspirations but also for Rashford as he contemplates his future. His current salary, estimated at £325,000-a-week, adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer discussions. Crystal Palace, while keen, may struggle to meet those financial demands unless significant changes occur within their wage structure.
As the clock ticks down on the season, the dynamics surrounding Rashford's future will only intensify. Emery's comments reflect a clear intention to integrate him into the team's long-term plans, but the looming threat from rival clubs adds an element of urgency. The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be pivotal for both Rashford and Aston Villa as they seek to solidify their ambitions for the next season.
In the meantime, the focus remains on the Champions League, with Emery's men looking to overturn the deficit against PSG. With the support of their fans and a renewed sense of purpose, Aston Villa aims to forge a new chapter in their storied history. As they gear up for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on how Emery decides to utilize his attacking talents, particularly the intriguing partnership of Rashford and Watkins.
Ultimately, the next few weeks will be critical for Aston Villa as they navigate both the immediate challenges on the pitch and the broader implications of their transfer strategies. Whether Rashford will remain a Villan or explore opportunities elsewhere will depend on the club's ability to secure European football and make a compelling case for his long-term future. For now, the excitement surrounding this potential striker duo continues to build, leaving fans eager to see what unfolds in the coming months.
