Marcus Rashford has been a ‘model professional’ ever since joining Aston Villa on loan, according to reports.
The winger recently moved to Birmingham on a temporary basis after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Amorim was scathing in his assessment of Rashford during their time together, with the 40-year-old accusing the winger of not working hard enough in training.
Though United have taken a risk by opting not to replace the England international, everybody is hoping he can experience a new lease of his life in his new surroundings.
Marcus Rashford has been a ‘model professional’ ever since joining Aston Villa on loan
GETTY
According to The Sun, while Amorim had concerns over the player’s work ethic, he has been a ‘model pro’ since joining Villa.
It’s claimed he refused to take two days off at the start of the week, with the winger instead choosing to train.
He volunteered to come in for a ‘punishing’ session on Monday, with Rashford working hard both in the gym and on the training pitch.
His team-mates have reportedly ‘taken to him immediately’, with Rashford also opting to hunt for accomodation in thhe West Midlands – rather than commute from Manchester.
A source is quoted as saying: “It must have felt very different for Marcus when he arrived at Bodymoor Heath for the first time on Sunday.
“After all, he has only known United’s Carrington Training Ground or Old Trafford since he joined United’s Academy aged seven.
“But he was keen to get to know staff and did all of his medical testing, then he went to the canteen with the club nutritionist, before having his pics taken in all three Villa kits and doing interviews with club TV.
“He smiled a lot and made a positive first impression on everyone who met him.
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“He was down to earth, seemed eager to please and was genuinely excited at the new challenge ahead.”
Rashford had been linked with Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Napoli and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas prior to leaving United.
Yet he was reportedly ‘bowled over’ by Unai Emery’s plans for him, which is why he’s happy to now be at Villa.
The insider added: “Unai spoke at length to him on the phone and he was incredibly detailed about what his vision was for Marcus.
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Marcus Rashford was frozen out by Ruben Amorim at Manchester United before his loan move to Aston Villa
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“He spelled out exactly what he wanted him to do and what he would never expect him to do and painted a clear picture of how he intended to get his career on an upward trajectory again.
“It was a compelling conversation, there was absolutely no room for confusion, he told Marcus straight exactly what his plans were for him.
“It’s fair to say that phone call sealed the deal.”
Rashford is expected to feature in Villa’s FA Cup fourth round showdown with Tottenham on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford is hopeful of making his Aston Villa debut against Tottenham on Sunday
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Emery’s team will go into the game hoping to bounce back after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Wolves at the start of the month.
As for United, they’re primed to lock horns with Leicester tonight (8pm).