Marcus Rashford launched a subtle dig at Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim after scoring his first goals for Aston Villa.
Rashford left United on loan last month having fallen out of favour under Amorim.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a new lease of life at Villa, who have an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.
Rashford scored a brace, which included a penalty, as Villa beat Preston 3-0 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Having made an impact at club level, Rashford has worked his way back into the England squad and was called up by Thomas Tuchel for the recent internationals.
Rashford now appears to be playing with much confidence away from Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford aimed a subtle dig at Ruben Amorim after scoring a brace for Aston Villa
Rashford left United on loan last month after he fell out of favour with United boss Amorim
Rashford indicated that he feels fitter since joining Villa and added that he is enjoying his football.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rashford said: ‘It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s obviously nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues.’
‘I think we have to just take it one game at a time and give it 100 per cent on the pitch and see where it takes us. We’re a very ambitious team – we want to win and try and get as far as we can in all competitions and we also want to push to get back into the top four.’
‘Step by step. I think I can still get fitter. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. At the minute my body feels good, I’m injury-free and I’m enjoying my football, so all good for now.’
According to Micah Richards, Rashford is much more suited to playing for Villa than for United, where he didn’t fit into Amorim’s formation.
Amorim had expressed concern regarding Rashford’s commitment in training but the forward seems to be working well under Emery.
Richards said: ‘The difference is Emery has got a structure, he’s got a plan. Under Ten Hag it was difficult and the new manager Amorim has found it difficult to put across exactly what he wants.
‘If you’re going to play a different formation, where is he gonna play? Is he going to play in one of the front three positions or maybe as a wing-back? It doesn’t really suit him.’
RIchards praised Rashford, who scored twice for Aston Villa in their victory against Preston
Rashford has made a significant impact since joining Emery’s Villa on loan last month
Dion Dublin believes that Rashford is capable of starting for any team when at his best
‘He’s coming into an environment where everyone knows their jobs and he’s just adding his skill and pace and know how to that team.’
Former Villa forward Dion Dublin was full of praise for Rashford and stated that he is capable of starting for any team in the world when he is at his best.
Dublin said: ‘When Marcus is on it and playing well and you’re giving him what he needs, he can start for any team in world football. He’s that good.’
Joe Hart agreed with Richards that Rashford is relishing playing under Emery.
Hart said: ‘He’s come here with people around him who know what they’re doing. He’s not come here with questions marks about how he’s going to behave and what he’s going to do and how he’s going to change the team.
‘When he was at Man United at the end of his career there, it was constantly ‘where’s he gonna play? How is he gonna play? what’s the manager gonna do?’. No one questions Unai Emery because he’s established himself.’
Prior to joining Villa Rashford had spent his entire career at United, for whom he has made 426 appearances and scored 138 goals.
Although his contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028, Rashford could depart permanently this summer.
