'A real opportunity'

Neville believes the move to Villa, which is eight points ahead of United in the Premier League and in the Champions League, will suit Rashford, saying he "had to get out of the club" after Amorim's "brutal" statements to the media.

"There are a number of things that are in his favor at Villa," he told Sky Sports.

"He's going to a far better team at this moment, he's going to a coach who's world-class, which is a real opportunity for him."

There was speculation about a move to Italy or Saudi Arabia, but Rashford is staying in England, and now needs to prove to Villa manager Unai Emery he deserves playing time.

"I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me, but Aston Villa was an easy decision," Rashford posted on Instagram.

"I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager's ambitions. I just want to play football and I am excited to get started."

Asked about a return to Europe's elite club competition, Rashford said: "Obviously, it's the biggest competition for a club to be involved in.

"I'm sure it will be a new experience for me, playing for Villa in the Champions League. It's always going to be a great moment, but the aims remain the same, to try and do our best to win it," he told Villa's website.

"I've played a fair amount of games in the Champions League, so I feel like I'm experienced and know how to handle those types of situations."

He said that it was Villa's style of play that attracted him to move to the Midlands outfit.

"I had to choose somewhere where I feel my style of football is suited to, and can help them — and help me — rediscover and improve as a player," Rashford said.

"Obviously, it's only for the short-term that I'm here, so, I want to make the most of my time here, and the only way to do that is by using my attributes and my skill set to help the team.

"I know I can hurt teams. I know when I'm playing at my best, I can decide football games.

"That'll be my only ambition and only goal: To help the team win more games, more points and hopefully create history."

Agencies