'His commitment' - Unai Emery gives verdict on Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford after Man City goal

Unai Emery piled the praise on Marcus Rashford after he scored for Aston Villa in their 2-1 defeat to Man City on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old made his first appearance in Manchester since he was frozen out of the Manchester United squad by head coach Ruben Amorim.

Rashford was not involved for United when they won 2-1 against City in December last year due to 'performance' issues and subsequently stated he was ready for a new challenge in his professional career. The England forward never featured again under Amorim and was eventually loaned to Villa in the January transfer window.

The United academy graduate has rediscovered his confidence at Villa Park, with four goals and six assists for his loan club so far. Rashford started for Villa in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain and could start when they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend.

Unai Emery gives Marcus Rashford verdict

Marcus Rashford scored from the penalty spot when he made his return to Manchester on Tuesday night. The 27-year-old caught the eye with his first-half performance against City, but regressed after the restart as the home side dominated the match.

Rashford kept his cool to send Stefan Ortega the wrong way from the penalty spot and made another case for Villa to pursue his signature in the summer transfer window. Villa have the option to buy Rashford for £40 million in the summer, though it remains to be seen whether or not they will exercise their option to do so.

Speaking after the agonising defeat to City, Unai Emery was asked for his verdict on the United loanee: "I am so, so happy with him. He is performing very well. His commitment with the teammates and the process we are having has been very important for us and for him. Keep going. Hopefully he can help us on Saturday."