Former Aston Villa defender explains why he wouldn’t sign Marcus Rashford

Former Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne believes Marcus Rashford has the ability to be the best player in the Premier League – although he wants to see him prove it on a regular basis.

Rashford has impressed since joining Villa on an initial loan deal from Manchester United in January, ending a long spell with his boyhood club that turned sour towards the end as he was frozen out under Ruben Amorim.

Villa have the option to sign the England international for £40million at the end of the season, although Dunne remains wary of committing at this early stage.

M🅰️rcus to Marc⚽️ — AGAIN 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WMYcF0wpHd

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 1, 2025

‘Marcus Rashford can be the best player in the Premier League’

He told William Hill: “There has never been any question over Marcus Rashford’s ability and quality when he’s on form but I think Aston Villa still have to be wary and wait and see before committing to signing him permanently. He needs to perform week-in, week-out because for far too long, he’s not performed consistently or at the level that’s been expected.

“Villa need to be certain that he has turned a corner and found the club that suits him. If they’re seeing a determination from Marcus, that he wants to be the best player in the league – which he has the capability of being – then he can be a real game-changer for Villa and someone who can take them to the next level.

“His potential and ability is unlimited. He can win games on his own. If they can get him firing then it’s an amazing signing for them.”

Champions League knockout football 🤩

IT’S MATCHDAY, VILLANS 👊 pic.twitter.com/DNXHV2Fno8

— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) March 4, 2025

Club Brugge next up for Rashford and Villa

Rashford is likely to be in Unai Emery’s starting XI for the first leg of their Champions League, round of 16 tie at Club Brugge tonight.

And Dunne, who made almost 100 appearances for Villa between 2009 and 2013, is confident his former club can progress through to the quarter-finals despite losing to the same opponents in the group phase.

He added: “The previous meeting between the two sides was at Club Brugge, so obviously the difference this time is they’ve got the opportunity at Villa Park to turn any negative result around.

“But when I watched the defeat at Brugge, Villa were too cautious and didn’t play freely. I would back Villa to beat Brugge, home and away, if they’re brave enough to go and open up a little bit – they’re good enough to do it. There’s a bit of concern from Unai Emery – he doesn’t want his teams to be open, and he wants them to defend from a solid base. But when they are going forward, if they can release an extra player and attack with freedom, they can beat Brugge.

“Brugge are a really good side, they’re awkward to play against. They’ve got some really good, footballers, and they press really well. Villa should be able to beat them over the course of two legs. I fancy them to go through but it’s important that in the away leg they don’t sit back.”