Aston Villa imposed strict Marcus Rashford rule after draw with Liverpool and it speaks volumes
Aston Villa have introduced a strict Marcus Rashford rule after signing the forward on loan from Manchester United.
After allowing Jhon Duran to leave for Al Nassr in a £62.5 million switch, Villa moved to bring in Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan to strengthen their attack.
Having been out in the cold for so long under Ruben Amorim, Rashford has looked sharp in his five appearances for Villa and assisted both goals in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Villa are said to have option to make the move permanent for a fee of £40 million if they are happy with Rashford's performances.
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But the Midlands outfit have already imposed a regulation regarding the England international.
Rashford got his first start for Villa last week in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, playing 67 minutes before being replaced by Jacob Ramsey.
His full debut for the club was of course a huge talking point but according to the Daily Mail, discussion about Rashford was effectively banned.
Over in the mixed zone where players pass by journalists after games, Youri Tielemans was asked for his thoughts on Rashford's first start.
However, a press officer interjected and told present media that there would be 'No questions on Rashford'. It is a stark contrast to the recent times at United where it seemed all that Amorim was being asked about was Rashford and whether his situation had changed.
After an impressive comeback win over Chelsea at the weekend, Villa slipped to a shock 4-1 hammering away at Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Rashford came on as a second-half substitute for Ollie Watkins, with Villa already trailing 2-1.
Unai Emery reflects on Palace defeat
Villa, who had goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced off with an injury, pulled level early on in the second half through Morgan Rogers - only to concede a strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta shortly after.
Manager Unai Emery was left frustrated after seeing his side's performance levels drop as the game went on.
“We played the first 30 minutes, controlling of the game and more or less dominating," he said in a press conference.
"We were creating chances, and we were not conceding the chances of them.
“The first corner we conceded, the first chance they had, they scored. It was tough for us. Then, progressively, we were getting worse. We drew (level in) the second half, and in that moment we (thought) maybe it is the moment we can again react, dominating the match again, keeping ball possession better and trying to stop them.
“But they scored the second goal, the third goal, and it was progressively, of course, more difficult for us. We were not dominating a lot of duels as well with them. It’s tough to lose here. We have to accept it. We are frustrated and we have to try to move on.”
Emery's men will look to bounce back with a fifth round FA Cup tie against Cardiff City on Friday at Villa Park.
Topics: Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford, Man Utd
Josh Lawless