Jadon Sancho revealed that he received a glowing Aston Villa reference from Marcus Rashford with the Manchester United loanee "really inspired" by Unai Emery's plan for the season. After a troubled spell at Old Trafford and a brief stint on loan at Chelsea last season, the winger has chosen Villa Park as the stage for his revival.
Sancho joins Villa after Rashford praiseEmery’s vision convinced winger to signNo buy option in loan dealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Before putting pen to paper, Sancho turned to a familiar face for advice – his United team-mate and close friend Rashford. The England international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa after clashing with Ruben Amorim, spoke glowingly of the club and the atmosphere within the dressing room. That endorsement proved decisive, cementing Villa as the perfect destination for the winger’s career reset.
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Speaking to Sancho revealed: "I spoke to [Rashford] while he was here last season and I know he really enjoyed it. He said so many lovely things about the club, like how it’s a family and you feel that friendly environment with great players and staff. I definitely felt that as I came in."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
If Rashford’s recommendation planted the seed, Emery’s masterplan made it grow as Sancho admitted that he was captivated by the Spaniard’s ambitious vision for the season ahead.
"When I spoke to the manager, he gave me belief and confidence," he said. "He showed me the plan of what they want to achieve this year and it really inspired me. He definitely persuaded me, and I can’t wait to work under him."
Sancho insisted that his goals are secondary to the team’s ambitions, vowing to put Villa’s success ahead of personal accolades.
"As a player and especially as a team, we have to be achieving big things. We have to be looking towards that, and hopefully I can help the team to achieve some of those goals," he added. "The team comes first, so whenever the manager needs me I’ll be ready. I’ve got individual goals, but my main goal is for the team. Achieving something as a team is much more special than individually. I feel like all players have individual goals, but the team always comes first. ’ll be looking to achieve goals with the team first."
DID YOU KNOW?
The agreement, finalised on deadline day, sees Villa cover 80 per cent of Sancho’s salary, while United also pocketed a loan fee. Notably, the arrangement does not include an option to buy, meaning Sancho is expected to return to Old Trafford next summer.
