Update: John McGinn explains Marcus Rashford hope as Manchester United transfer decision looms News

Aston Villa captain John McGinn has given his thoughts on Marcus Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is ‘thriving’ with Aston Villa says captain of the club John McGinn, who admitted he is not privy to any information regarding the on-loan Manchester United forward’s future.

The Man United academy graduate was allowed to depart during the January transfer window, making the switch to join Villa. Under Unai Emery he has started nine of 16 appearances, scoring three goals and assisting six.

The club Rashford joined are fighting to qualify for next season’s Champions League, and until recently were competing at the quarter final stage of this season’s tournament and on Saturday they have an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.

“He’s used to being in the spotlight, used to being under pressure. In these games he’s thrived under it,” McGinn told Sky Sports of his on-loan teammate. “He’s really enjoying it – it’s nice to see him everyday with a smile on his face.

“I think it’s very easy to look at the negative press that surrounds Marcus and has done for a while and be judged by that, but you judge with your own eyes.

“You judge how he is about the place to people and I must say he’s been first-class both on and off the pitch.

“Very good guy, humble, hard-working. All the things you read that you don’t expect to see.”

Once the campaign has concluded Villa have the option to make Rashford’s loan a permanent move for £40m, however his future whereabouts still remains uncertain with a return to Old Trafford still on the cards.

To that, McGinn added: “In an Aston Villa jersey he seems to be thriving and hopefully, I don’t know what will happen beyond the summer, hopefully until the summer that keeps going and he keeps showing us what a good player and good person he is.”

Last week Emery said the 27-year-old’s future ‘depends on the next weeks’. This was after he inspired Villa to fight back against Paris Saint-Germain and win 3-2 at Villa Park, though it was not enough to complete a full turnaround of the tie as the Midlands club exited Europe.

Rashford has been selected as his loan club’s starting striker lately, even ahead of the revered Ollie Watkins.

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