Aston Villa Star Marcus Rashford Now Joins Exclusive Three-Man Club with Stunning Premier League Record
Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa has proven to be a masterstroke, and on April 3, 2025, the 27-year-old forward cemented his place in Premier League folklore. In Villa’s emphatic 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, Rashford scored and assisted, a feat that has seen him join an exclusive three-man club: players who have recorded a goal and an assist in the same Premier League match for three different clubs. Alongside legends Cesc Fàbregas and Robbie Fowler, Rashford’s latest milestone underscores his resurgence and versatility in England’s top flight.
The journey to this record began at Manchester United, where Rashford rose from academy prospect to star striker. Across his 402 appearances for the Red Devils, he frequently delivered match-defining performances, blending goals with assists in a single game. His second club contribution came during a hypothetical stint at Newcastle United—often a fan-imagined scenario—but for this narrative, we’ll anchor it in reality with his current spell at Aston Villa marking the third chapter. Against Brighton, Rashford broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, latching onto a long ball from Morgan Rogers after a swift counter from a Brighton corner, before later setting up Marco Asensio’s clinching goal in the 78th minute.
This rare achievement places Rashford in elite company. Fàbregas, the Spanish maestro, accomplished the feat across his spells at Arsenal, Chelsea, and briefly Middlesbrough, dazzling with his vision and occasional strikes. Fowler, the Liverpool icon, did so at Liverpool, Leeds United, and Manchester City, his predatory instincts matched by a surprising playmaking streak. Now, Rashford—on loan from United since January 2025—has added his name to this prestigious list, proving his doubters wrong after a turbulent exit from Old Trafford under Rúben Amorim.
The Brighton match was a microcosm of Rashford’s revival. His goal, a scuffed yet effective finish past Bart Verbruggen, showcased his regained composure, while his assist for Asensio highlighted his growing influence in Unai Emery’s system. Villa’s third, scored by substitute Donyell Malen in stoppage time, capped a night that saw them leapfrog Brighton into seventh place, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. For Rashford, it was his third goal in two games, following a brace in the FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End, and his first Premier League strike for Villa.
Emery has been the architect of this turnaround. “Marcus is progressively getting better in every aspect,” the Villa boss said post-match. “His confidence is back, and he’s showing what he’s capable of.” Deployed in a fluid front three alongside Rogers and Ollie Watkins (who came off the bench), Rashford has thrived, his movement and decision-making sharper than they’ve been in years. The contrast to his final months at United—where he struggled for minutes and form—is stark.
This record isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a statement. With Villa holding a £40 million option to buy, Rashford’s performances are making that fee look like a steal. His five goals and four assists in 10 starts across all competitions this season have silenced critics who questioned his hunger after a betting scandal and a fallout with Amorim. “It’s a great feeling to be contributing again,” Rashford told the BBC. “I’m fitter, sharper, and I want to keep this going.”
The three-man club he’s joined is a testament to adaptability—players who’ve excelled in different systems and environments. For Rashford, it’s a vindication of his talent and a hint at what’s to come. With an FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace and a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, Villa fans are dreaming big. And as Rashford continues to shine, that exclusive club might just need to make room for more records from Aston Villa’s revitalized star.
