Paul Merson believes Marcus Rashford's move to Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United is a huge gamble.
The Reds' academy graduate has signed for Unai Emery's side on a short-term deal until the summer after falling out of favour under United boss Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old has not played since the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, with Amorim appearing to question his work ethic.
Rashford will now be looking to impress at Villa Park domestically and in Europe, having reportedly been keen on a move to Barcelona. Good performances in the Champions League for Unai Emery's side could alert the Catalan giants, although Villa have an option to make his loan move permanent in the summer.
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And former Villa and Arsenal midfielder Merson has shared his view on Rashford's move to Birmingham. The pundit highlights the opportunity Rashford has been given whilst outlining that it remains a risk for all parties.
"He's having an unbelievable opportunity, he's going to one of the top teams in the Premier League. Great club, great support," he told Sky Sports on deadline day.
"The one trick we're all missing here is he has to take his head with him. Nothing changes. It's a big gamble, a huge gamble for Amorim as well.
"But if he goes to Villa, one of the players are going to miss out - a Jacob Ramsey or so. Maybe they're alright now as Watkins is injured. But if this doesn't work, it's wow - £300,000 a week. I just worry that it's been a long time for him, you can't just turn it on a tap. There have been problems.
"And I hope he gets it sorted for Villa and the lad's sake - because his career will finish quickly if it doesn't. He's been given an unbelievable opportunity at a great club and he has to take it. It's not the case of turn up, different shirt, it will be alright. I don't know about it, I hope they do get it right."
"If he starts playing well again, he will get back in the England team - 100 per cent. He's good for tournament football, he can play in multiple positions - up front, wide, and he can come deeper. It makes a difference picking squads for a tournament. But he's got to do it. And it's not as easy as put shirt on, move ground, here we go. It's been a long time. I hope I'm wrong.
"For the manager Unai Emery, you can look from afar and go: I can sort him out. He hasn't got long left, he's 27. I hate seeing talent like this go to waste, he can play."
