Marcus Rashford set for first game in 60 DAYS after Man Utd exile but has to settle for place on Aston Villa bench
MARCUS RASHFORD is set to make his first appearance in 60 days after his Manchester United exile.
But he has had to settle for a place on Aston Villa’s bench for today’s FA Cup clash with Tottenham.
The forward joined Villa late in the winter window after being frozen out at United by boss Ruben Amorim.
Rashford had previously declared he was ready for a new challenge following criticism over his training efforts.
And following interest from clubs including AC Milan and Barcelona, he ended up completing a shock move to United’s Premier League rivals.
However, Villa boss Unai Emery has kept Rashford waiting for his debut.
The Spaniard named a strong starting XI to face Spurs at Villa Park on Sunday.
But Rashford was not among those who made the cut.
His ability means he can play either up top or out wide in Emery’s 4-4-2 system.
But Villa’s boss instead plumped for Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn on the wings.
While fellow January arrival Donyell Malen was paired in attack with Morgan Rogers.
The Dutchman was left out of Aston Villa’s Champions League squad after a £20million move from Borussia Dortmund.
But both he and new right-back Andres Garcia, also omitted from Europe, were both handed starts today against Tottenham.
Joining Rashford on the bench was deadline day arrival Marco Asensio, who joined on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
And both attacking talents will be likely to make their bows later on in the game.