Aston Villa v Birmingham ‘behind-closed-doors friendly’ due to Rashford deal
Aston Villa will want to ensure that Marcus Rashford is at peak fitness before starting him in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Villa announced the signing of Rashford on loan from Manchester United via the club’s official website on Sunday (2 February), with Alejandro Garnacho reacting to the confirmed news.
Ruben Amorim could face the sack at Old Trafford after sanctioning Rashford’s temporary exit, while Unai Emery will be looking to get the best out of the forward in the West Midlands.
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – thinks Rashford will need some match practice before starting for the first team, with a behind-closed-doors friendly to be arranged.
“Rashford has definitely been guaranteed minutes,” King said.
“What is that going to mean for Ollie Watkins? Will they now go two up top? Rashford would have been made first-team guarantees, without a doubt.
“However, he will need some match fitness because he hasn’t played for a while. They will probably arrange a couple of games for him, a mixture of substitutes and fringe players against a local club.
“I think that is something that will be arranged, a game against Walsall or West Brom or Birmingham, something of that nature.”
Aston Villa to arrange a friendly for Marcus Rashford?
Rashford hasn’t played much football recently. Therefore, he will need some time to get up to speed, with doubts arising about the impact he will make.
And considering how much time and money Villa have invested into this loan deal, they will want the 27-year-old to start and contribute as soon as possible.
Therefore, arranging a behind-closed-doors friendly would be wise, as it would allow the Englishman to get up to speed quicker, which means he will be ready to make an impact for Emery sooner.
However, when or where those friendlies take place remains to be seen.
In other Aston Villa news, the club are readying another signing before the transfer window slams shut.
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