Marco Asensio: Former Real Madrid player shining at Aston Villa

Asensio is not the only player who is flourishing since moving to Aston Villa, with Rashford appearing to be putting behind him a difficult season at Manchester United with a strong start to life in the Midlands.

Rashford had been struggling for form at Old Trafford and found himself out of the picture under Ruben Amorim.

But the move to Villa and playing alongside Asensio appears to bringing him back to his best.

Since his debut on 9 February, Rashford has created more chances in all competitions than any other Premier League player (13).

Against Cardiff, Rashford created six chances for Aston Villa, equalling the most he ever created in any of his 426 matches for Manchester United (six vs Wigan in January 2024).

He has yet to score, although given his performances so far that will surely come sooner rather than later.

“Aston Villa have given him a lifeline,” former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said on ITV Sport.

“It seems to have come to an end at Manchester United. He needed to rebuild his confidence, he is 27 and has to show he has a lot to give. Villa have given him a good opportunity.

“Things could be very exciting here at Aston Villa with this new exciting Aston Villa forward line.”

With a Champions League last-16 game at Club Brugge up next, Emery believes Asensio and Rashford maintaining their form is key to Villa achieving their ambitions this season.

“We need [Asensio] and we need Rashford,” he said.

“We need the players who joined in the last window. We need the players coming back from injury. Every player will be necessary for the matches in the next weeks and months.

“Now we focus on the Champions League. We are there and we have to enjoy it and compete.”