It is no secret that Marcus Rashford's first choice was not to sign for Aston Villa in the January transfer window.
He had originally preferred a move to Barcelona, as would most professional players, and in truth that move would have suited Manchester United too. Out of sight and out of mind as they try to prepare for life without a player who had become synonymous at the club.
Instead, Rashford has become a constant reminder for Ruben Amorim about what he is missing. In six appearances for his new club, the winger has returned himself to the player that many hoped he would be at United until he retired.
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This is unsurprising considering Rashford's need to prove a point in the West Midlands but perhaps more concerning for United is just how well he is performing. The Manchester Evening News' sister title BirminghamLive reported from Villa Park that Rashford created six chances in the FA Cup victory over Cardiff City which is the most he ever managed for United during his time with the Reds.
Perhaps even more astonishing is that since his debut Rashford, on 13, has created more chances than any other Premier League player. All this plays out on the back drop of United looking increasingly goal shy with Bruno Fernandes becoming the sole source of creativity due to Amad's injury.
It is hard to argue that allowing Rashford to leave was an error and there are no guarantees that he would be performing like this if he had not fallen out with Amorim. But, this constant reminder of what they have lost is not ideal for United and mounts pressure on the Reds to make things right in the summer.
