Bruno Fernandes reacts to Rashford message as Aston Villa lose v Man City
Marcus Rashford scored from the penalty spot as Aston Villa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.
Villa’s defeat at the Etihad Stadium leaves Unai Emery’s men two points adrift of the Champions League spots with just four games remaining.
But crucially, fellow top-five hopefuls Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, and Chelsea all have a game in hand over the West Midlands club.
Matheus Nunes’ late winner for City may have given Villa too much of an uphill battle as they look to qualify for the Champions League once more.
Bruno Fernandes reacts as Rashford responds to Villa defeat
Rashford has started three of Villa’s last four games, notching one goal and an assist in the process.
After Emery’s side lost to Manchester City, the England international wrote on Instagram: “Losing a game in the last minute was tough, but we have to stay focused and be ready for the next game.”
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes responded as he gave the post a like.
Villa should be eager to retain Rashford
After falling out of favour with Man United boss Ruben Amorim, Rashford has been given a new lease of life since joining Villa on loan, and has regularly been among the goals and assists.
| Marcus Rashford Aston Villa stats | 2024/25 all competitions |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 6 |
Emery’s men still boast the option to buy the 27-year-old’s services permanently, but the forward is not ruling out the possibility of remaining at Old Trafford.
But Villa should push to keep Rashford in the West Midlands, as he has proven himself as a key player since joining Emery’s side from the Red Devils.
With four goals and six assists in 17 Villa outings, the England man has helped the men in claret and blue progress to the Champions League quarter-finals and the FA Cup semi-finals.
Rashford’s efforts against PSG were not enough to see Emery’s men through to the Champions League last four, but he will look to be a difference maker in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace.