Aston Villa players’ true feelings on Rashford emerge as group chat message revealed

Manager Unai Emery has gradually integrated him into the first team, following his period of being sidelined at United by Ruben Amorim.

In Friday’s 2-0 victory over Cardiff in the FA Cup fifth round, the 27-year-old made his second start in six appearances for Villa.

Rashford recorded his third assist in Villa colors, with Marco Asensio finishing his cross to make it 1-0.

Remarkably, he now has as many assists for Villa as he did in 24 appearances for United this season.

Reports suggest that his loan agreement includes an option for Villa to sign him permanently at the season’s end for a fee of £40 million.

Judging by one group chat message, it seems Villa players would be thrilled to see the 27-year-old commit to the club permanently.

Villa youngster Cole Brannigan, 17, has yet to make his debut for the club but has trained with Rashford and other senior squad members this season.

Speaking in an interview with Northern Irish outlet News Letter, Brannigan said: “He’s by far the best player I’ve seen technically. With the ball, he was absolutely ridiculous. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“We have a family group chat, and I just put in, ‘Marcus Rashford is absolutely ridiculous’.

“Having Marcus Rashford at the club, he’s someone for me to look up to. The club do a good job in asking those players questions, so you try and use that to improve your own game.”

Promising young winger Brannigan may have the opportunity to play alongside Rashford in the future, should the England international choose to stay at Villa Park.

At 17, Brannigan is a youth international for Northern Ireland and signed his first professional contract in July 2024. This season, he has made two appearances in the Premier League 2, the highest level of domestic U21 competition.

Brannigan developed his skills in the youth ranks of Northern Irish giants Linfield before making the move to Villa in the summer of 2023.