Jamie Redknapp has warned that on loan from Marcus Rashford can prove to be a gamble for Aston Villa.
Rashford has found on the edge in Manchester United in recent weeks, after he had gotten out of grace shortly after the arrival of Ruben Amorim in the club.
The 27-year-old was associated with various movements of Old Trafford last month, but remains a United player with just a few days in the transfer window.
Villa, however, comes on loan after approaching the attacker with an option to buy in the deal.
Unai Emery is an admirer of Rashford and is said to have contacted the player to discuss a possible move to the West Midlands.
About the transfer, Redknapp insisted that the mentality of Rashford will determine whether he will be a success in Villa Park.
“If you look at it, we will go back to 2022-23, which was a fantastic season for him.” Said Redknapp on Sky Sports.
'But if you look at the last two years and are in football for two years, it was not a case that he was injured. Some clips from him who walked around viral, I remember there was one against Luton when the ball was there and he was just jogging.
'You can't do that if you are a star player at Man United, you have to be the man who will lead from the front.
'You can talk about potential all day, but he is no longer a child. If this step happens for him, it will be incredible, perhaps more than what he earns now because Villa is a huge club.
'But it will be a chance to let his career go again, because that's what he has to do.
“Nobody else can do it, it's not up to Unai Emery, it's not up to Aston Villa, it's up to Marcus Rashford to bring himself back as a player.”
Colleague expert Darren Bent agreed with the assessment of Redknapp and insisted that an extra headache could arise about how Rashford fits in the current starting XI of Villa.
“He's not a child,” said Bent. 'If Emery says he wants to become a member of Aston Villa who should give you some confidence.
'You have been identified as a solution. But where do you play him? His body language has told him that he does not want to play ahead, but if Watkins is out, he will have to do that. He must find that form inside. We can no longer apologize. '
The former Liverpool star added that the move could be harmful to Rashford's career if he does not learn in the Emery system.
He continued: 'Marcus Rashford is a huge risk. Remove his talent, if he comes in and does not want to perform or does not want to buy in the area, it can also be harmful.
“He is too good a talent to waste. Enclosing everyone should be in mind. If that is not enough to continue, what is? '
Rashford said goodbye to teammates at United on Saturday while he is on his way to completing his move.
The 27-year-old spoke with United Staff and players in Carrington after he received the green light for his loan switch to Villa Park.
Personal conditions have been agreed and the finer details of the conditions between clubs are smoothed out.
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