Jadon Sancho aiming to follow in Marcus Rashford's footsteps after joining Aston Villa 'family'
Jadon Sancho wants to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford by rejuvenating his career at Villa.
The England winger was one of three deadline day signings for Unai Emery, joining on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
It is the same path trodden by fellow United forward Rashford earlier this year when he joined Villa for the second half of last season, having been frozen out at Old Trafford.
Rashford scored four goals in 17 appearances for Villa, earned an England recall and is now at Barcelona.
Sancho, who like Rashford has been deemed surplus to requirements at United, revealed how his former team-mate spoke warmly of his time in the Midlands.
He told VillaTV: “I spoke to him (Rashford) while he was here last season and I know he really enjoyed it.
“He said so many lovely things about the club, like how it’s a family and you feel that friendly environment with great players and staff. I definitely felt that as I came in.”
Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £73million four years ago but has struggled for consistency.
He made 41 appearances on loan for Chelsea last season, scoring five goals, yet they opted not to take up their option to buy him permanently.
Sancho already knows several of his new Villa team-mates, either through playing alongside them on England duty or, in the case of Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen, with Borussia Dortmund.
Former United defender Victor Lindelof, another Villa deadline day signing, is also a familiar face, while Sancho explained how a conversation with Emery had further convinced him he was making the right move.
“When I spoke to the manager he gave me belief and confidence,” he said.
“He showed me the plan of what they want to achieve this year and it really inspired me.
“He definitely persuaded me, and I can’t wait to work under him.”
Sancho continued: “As a player and especially as a team, we have to be achieving big things.
We have to be looking towards that, and hopefully I can help the team to achieve some of those goals. The team comes first, so whenever the manager needs me I’ll be ready.”
Sancho added: “I’ve got individual goals, but my main goal is for the team. Achieving something as a team is much more special than individually.
“I feel like all players have individual goals, but the team always comes first. I’ll be looking to achieve goals with the team first.”
