Ally McCoist names Aston Villa player he’s not fully convinced by
Unai Emery has had an excellent season with Aston Villa as his side continue to battle on three separate fronts.
Emery has been credited for his work both on the pitch and for the way certain players have flourished under his management throughout the season.
There is still plenty to be achieved in the West Midlands, though, and the manager will be keen to keep his standards high, with Ally McCoist feeling there’s one player who has more to give.
McCoist not fully convinced by Marcus Rashford
Emery’s work with individuals has been reflected in international form, with Morgan Rogers receiving an England call-up and gaining plenty of praise for his performances.
Another Villa man who was in the squad was Marcus Rashford, who received less praise for his performances with Thomas Tuchel suggesting he had more to give.
Rashford was one of the more controversial call-ups to the England squad with many feeling this was a reflection of his previous form rather than current.
That being said, the 27-year-old has turned a corner since joining Aston Villa and looks a much-improved player in Claret and Blue.
In his side’s 3-0 win against Preston North End in the FA Cup on Sunday (30 March), Rashford was on the scoresheet twice, one of which was a penalty.
However, McCoist admitted he is not fully impressed with the forward yet as he said live on talkSPORT (31 March, 6:26am): “Marcus Rashford had to perform at Villa, and he is performing at Villa. I still think he’s got a good bit to go. I wouldn’t get carried away.
“I saw his goals yesterday. The first goal was tucked away, so was the penalty but I still think there’s a lot more to come from, should come from him and then I think the garden will be rosy again.
“Could potentially get back into the England set-up where I think he should be; I don’t think he deserves to be at this moment in time.”
Rashford has to continue to prove himself at Aston Villa
Rashford has certainly raised his standards since joining the West Midlands outfit on loan in the winter transfer window, but given the previous levels he has shown, it’s no surprise that the pressure remains on him.
| Team | Appearances (all competitions) | Goals | Assists |
| Manchester United | 9 | 0 | 4 |
| Aston Villa | 25 | 9 | 3 |
The forward probably was a bit fortunate to receive a call-up to the England squad and he didn’t completely back up his domestic form on the international stage showing there is still work to be done.
With three competitions left for Villa to fight in, there is plenty of motivation for the 27-year-old to keep his standards high and show what he can do ahead of the summer transfer window.
It looks incredibly likely that the forward will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, but Villa are said to have a £40million option to purchase the player on a permanent basis which could be higher than they want to go.
Therefore, Rashford has to treat the remainder of the season as a trial for any potential buyers in the summer window.