Villa had already fought back from 2-0 down on the night to level matters, leaving them trailing 5-3 on aggregate. Then, Rashford took command, producing a moment of magic to beat two players and tee up Ezri Konsa to spark bedlam in the crowd. Moments later, the same combination should have levelled the tie when, with the goal at his mercy, the defender somehow failed to connect with Rashford’s dangerous cross.
The 27-year-old would already have been on the scoresheet himself were it not for a stunning Gianluigi Donnarumma save from his powerful shot. It prompted memories of his performance against the same side in 2019 when his stoppage-time penalty in the second leg saw Manchester United complete a sensational turnaround in Paris.
United overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to win 3-1 and qualify for the quarter-finals on away goals. Rashford’s nerveless spot-kick capped a fine individual display, and now his latest showing would have put a number of teams on alert as Villa weigh up whether to take up the £40million buy option this summer.
If not, Rashford is now unlikely to be short of offers from elsewhere….
Rashford beat two players before creating Villa's third goal. (Image: Getty)
PSG
The club that would have been most aware of Rashford’s magic at Villa Park is the one on the receiving end of it. The England man was linked with a loan move to Paris in January before speculation cooled.
Luis Enrique is well stocked in attack. However, seeing what he did to his own defence could well now reignite their interest,
Barcelona
The La Liga giants were also linked in January, and Rashford’s reported priority was a move to Barca. Although transfer funds are currently an issue for Hansi Flick, a £40m fee would signify an affordable option for a world-class player.
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Bayern Munich
The departure of Thomas Muller is likely to see Bayern swoop for new forwards this summer. Another club that has previously said to be interested in Rashford, the prospect of him forming a regular partnership with England teammate Harry Kane, could be enticing.
