Rashford excited by Aston Villa’s Champions League challenge, seeks form resurgence

Rashford excited by Aston Villa’s Champions League challenge, seeks form resurgence

Striker Marcus Rashford believes he can help Aston Villa enjoy a deep run in the Champions League after on Sunday joining on loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.

Rashford, capped 60 times by England, has endured a troubled season at United and has not played since mid-December but says he is ready to help Villa in multiple competitions.

Unai Emery’s side have qualified automatically for the Champions League last 16, host Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup fourth round next weekend and are eighth in the Premier League.

Asked about a return to Europe’s elite club competition, Rashford said: “Obviously, (it’s) the biggest competition for a club to be involved in.

“I’m sure it will be a new experience for me, playing for Villa in the Champions League. It’s always going to be a great moment, but the aims remain the same, to try and do our best to win it,” he told Villa’s website.

“I’ve played a fair amount of games in the Champions League, so I feel like I’m experienced and know how to handle those types of situations.”

The 27-year-old Rashford, who joined United at the age of seven, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club, including more than 30 in the Champions League.

He said Villa’s style of play attracted him to a move to the Midlands outfit.

“I’ve had to choose somewhere where I feel my style of football is suited to, and can help them and help me rediscover and improve as a player,” Rashford said.

“Obviously it’s only short-term I’m here so I want to make the most of my time here and the only way to do that is by using my attributes and my skill set to help the team.

“I know I can hurt teams. I know when I’m playing at my best, I can decide football games. That’ll be my only ambition and only goal, to help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history.”