Marcus Rashford made an impressive Aston Villa debut on Sunday evening, coming off the bench to help secure a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park.
The 27-year-old forward, who had not played since mid-December, was introduced in the 66th minute alongside Marco Asensio to a thunderous ovation from the Villa faithful.
It marked Rashford's return to competitive football after being frozen out at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim.
Villa manager Unai Emery had expressed his delight with Rashford's arrival in the January transfer window, with the England international joining on loan with a £40 million option to buy.
Marcus Rashford left United on loan to join Aston Villa after being frozen out
Reuters
"I'm very happy with him," Emery said before the match. "My challenge with him is a huge challenge. His challenge with us is exciting."
Rashford took the number 9 shirt vacated by Jhon Duran, who departed for Al Nassr in a £64.5 million move.
Wearing his new number 9 shirt, Rashford looked sharp and determined to make an impact in his cameo appearance.
Playing through the middle but drifting to the left wing, the forward showcased his attacking intent with several neat touches.
A particular highlight came when Rashford brilliantly nutmegged Tottenham's Pedro Porro just outside the box, drawing cheers from the home crowd.
The England international demonstrated his work ethic by pressing effectively and linking up well with his new teammates.
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Villa fans took to social media to praise Rashford's immediate impact at his new club.
"Marcus Rashford has shown more attacking intent and quality in 5 minutes for Aston Villa than all of the Manchester United attackers in the last few weeks combined," one supporter wrote on X.
Another fan commented: "Villa genuinely look like world beaters with Rashford."
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Marcus Rashford impressed his new set of fans at Villa
Reuters
"Marcus Rashford looks on a mission, he's gonna show the world," added a third supporter.
Villa's victory came through goals from Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, which had put the hosts 2-0 up before Rashford's introduction.
With Ollie Watkins currently sidelined through injury, Rashford could be in line for his first Villa start when they host Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday.
The win ensures Villa will be in Monday night's FA Cup fifth round draw, though loan rules mean Rashford would be ineligible to face Manchester United should the teams be drawn together.
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