Marcus Rashford not only Red Devils discard thriving after leaving Old Trafford

Aston Villa’s Marcus Rashford scored his first goals since his successful loan spell from Manchester United, however, he is not the only Red Devils' attacking 'discard' thriving away from the club.

Big money signing Antony, who endured an equally frustrating spell at United, is also enjoying his  time at Real Betis in La Liga. Rashford, who scored a brace against Preston in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, said that he was enjoying football at the club.

The forward joined Unai Emery's team on loan during the January transfer window after falling out of favour at Old Trafford where head coach Ruben Amorim repeatedly questioned the England forward's effort in training.

The coach famously alluded to the fact that that he would rather have the club's goalkeeper coach on the United bench ahead of the fleet-footed attacker.

His decision to join Villa on a loan deal until the end of the season is paying off, with the striker returning to the England squad and starting the recent World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

“It’s a great feeling. I feel like I’ve slowly been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s obviously nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues,” Rashford told BBC Sport after the 3-0 FA Cup win at Deepdale.

“I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. At the minute, my body feels good, I’m injury free and I’m enjoying my football."

It took Rashford 10 matches to open his Villa account, despite a handful of assists. But he has looked a reinvigorated player under Emery, adding an extra attacking threat to the side with his trickery and pace.

His work rate has improved markedly, with Rashford often tracking back at pace when Villa lose the ball up front. 

He is also getting better at picking out teammates in the box after beating defenders, a trait that was in evidence a few times against Preston. 

He opened his Villa account with a tap-in and a calmly taken penalty.

“His commitment to work, to adapt quick, is very important and he’s doing it,” said Emery, who played Rashford as a central striker against Preston with Ollie Watkins on the bench.

More importantly, he seems to be having fun again.

There are stark parallels with Brazilian Antony, who joined United for a whopping £82m (rising to £86m) from Ajax in 2022. After nearly three years on United’s books he failed to justify the lofty price tag.

He also left the club in January. 

Since moving to Spain, Antony has eight goal contributions across 12 appearances, including four goals, and looks to be enjoying his time in La Liga.

After helping Betis claim a 2-1 win over rivals Sevilla on Sunday night, the United loanee explained why he has been thriving since his Old Trafford exit.

"I feel happier and more content when I found myself, and I found myself here (at Real Betis),"  Antony told DAZN.

"I'm very grateful for everyone's affection, for the players. I'm very happy here, my focus is on Betis, I'm enjoying the city, the club, and everything every day, and I'm very happy.

"The last time I experienced this was in Brazil when I was playing for Sao Paulo."

With United's struggles in front of goal recently, the duo's newfound form will only raise further questions about Amorim's management of United.