Aston Villa have been told they face an uphill task of signing Marcus Rashford this summer, with the Manchester United outcast reportedly setting his sights elsewhere.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has backed Marcus Rashford to turn his career around at Aston Villa, admitting he was "really impressed" by the forward when he faced him for the first time.

Arne Slot said it would be a “complete surprise” if Marcus Rashford did not make a success of his Aston Villa loan spell. Rashford was shipped out on loan to Aston Villa during the January transfer window after being frozen out by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim due to a string of below-par performances in training.

Manchester United loaned out Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa in January and he put in a fine display off the bench in his Premier League debut for the club in their 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town on

Morgan Rogers had just scored Aston Villa’s second in the 2-1 FA Cup victory against Tottenham Hotspur and Villa’s players had gathered to the left of the Holte End, a cacophony encompassing them, but Emery remained fixated on preparing his two substitutes.

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, acknowledged that he would be shocked if Marcus Rashford didn't make an impression while on loan at Aston Villa.

Aston Villa’s Argentinian goalkeeper #01 Emiliano Martinez applauds at the end of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on April 6, 2024. Aston Villa equalised 3 – 3 against Brentford. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Arne Slot praises Marcus Rashford following his loan move from Manchester United and looks ahead to facing Aston Villa in the Premier League.