Aston Villa news: Are we seeing the ‘Marcus Rashford of old’?

Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes Aston Villa fans saw “the Marcus Rashford of old” in the second half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich.

The Manchester United loanee was substituted on at half-time with his side 1-0 down and impacted the game with direct running, physicality and intent.

It was his fine free-kick which hit the crossbar and fell to Ollie Watkins to score the equaliser from the rebound.

If not for some late heroics from Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer, Rashford would have forced the winner when his cross was deflected towards his own goal by Conor Townsend.

A player criticised recently for his work-rate, he also recorded impressive defensive numbers, making three tackles alongside winning seven duels to illustrate his commitment to helping the team.

“I watched him and he looked like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders,” Murray told the Football Daily podcast.

“He looked like the Marcus Rashford of old – running at people, committing defenders, being positive in his end product.

“We all knew it was there, we all knew he was capable of it. It’s been a long time coming. Aston Villa fans will hope they continue to see that.

“Really refreshing from Marcus Rashford.”

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds