Rashford Aims for PSG Treble as Asensio Returns to Paris with Aston Villa

Marcus Rashford returns to Paris Saint-Germain with Aston Villa on Wednesday, aiming for a third consecutive victory at the home of the French champions, while Marco Asensio could pose a threat to his parent club.

Both players have made their mark since joining Unai Emery’s side on loan during the winter transfer window, contributing a total of 11 goals across all competitions.

Villa arrive in Paris feeling confident, boasting seven consecutive wins in all competitions. They currently sit sixth in the Premier League and are preparing to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month.

Rashford will certainly be in high spirits after playing a key role in two past victories for his childhood club Manchester United at PSG’s Parc des Princes.

In 2019, during a Champions League last-16 second leg, he netted a penalty in stoppage time, allowing United to advance on away goals.

Two seasons later, he again showed his prowess in the group stage, scoring a late goal to secure a 2-1 win.

This time, the England winger will don a new jersey, having departed Old Trafford under somewhat tumultuous circumstances.

The revitalised attacker netted his first Premier League goal for Villa against Brighton last week, just three days after scoring twice in the FA Cup quarter-final triumph over Preston.

Emery, who managed PSG from 2016 to 2018, described Rashford—recently recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel—as being on the right path.

While it’s uncertain whether the 27-year-old will remain at Villa Park next season, he is currently focused on clinching the Champions League title with his new club—something he was unable to achieve at United.

“He’s regaining confidence through playing, focusing on football, and feeling comfortable with his teammates, while adapting to our style and demands,” Emery remarked.

“Everything with him is progressively improving.”

Asensio’s credentials

Asensio, a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, has been a standout performer at Villa Park, netting eight goals in just 11 appearances, including three during the last-16 stage as Villa triumphed over Club Brugge with a 6-1 aggregate score.

In just two months under the guidance of his compatriot Emery, the 29-year-old Spaniard has already scored more goals than he did throughout his entire stint with PSG, where he joined in 2023.

Asensio is eligible to play as UEFA regulations stipulate that clubs cannot influence the players that another club may choose to field in a match.

Villa midfielder Amadou Onana praised the two loan signings, stating that they have had a significant impact at the Birmingham club.

“Both are doing exceptionally well,” he shared with UEFA’s YouTube channel Off Pitch. “You could see their direct impact right from their arrival.

“They’ve both played at the highest level, and it’s incredibly inspiring for us young players to train and learn from them daily.”

Emery, who boasts four Europa League titles in his managerial career, is eager to overcome his former club PSG, who have recently progressed past Liverpool in the last 16 and have just secured the Ligue 1 title.

Onana believes that Villa, who were European champions in 1982 and last participated in the continent’s elite competition the following season, can reach the semi-finals but acknowledges the challenge posed by a formidable PSG side.

“Are we dreaming? Yes and no. I believe we possess the quality as a team to be where we are, but we must be realistic,” he commented.

“For me, PSG is one of the contenders for this Champions League, so it’s going to be quite a challenge.”