Marcus Rashford has already impressed for Aston Villa after securing a loan move away from Manchester United, but he's not alone...

Rashford made his first-ever club appearance away from Manchester United during a 30-minute cameo for Aston Villa on Sunday.

Although it was a brief introduction, the 27-year-old showed glimpses of his fit and firing self during Villa's 2-1 FA Cup victory. It was a first step away from the Old Trafford glare, a step others have also reaped the rewards of.

Often criticised over the last 18 months for a lack of intensity and effort, Rashford's first touch saw him challenge Kevin Danso in the air, winning the ball and leaving the Spurs defender in a heap. That duel was one of four he won and six he contested in total while on the pitch.

He also looked like his vintage self going forward. Spurs right-back Pedro Porro fell victim to Rashford's brief highlight-reel display when he was nutmegged and beaten with ease.

Rashford troubled Porro during his time on the pitch, and, despite leading the line for Aston Villa, he found himself enjoying possession in his favoured wide-left position in a fluid attack.

Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers benefited from Rashford's presence as Villa continued to carry a threat in transition. There was also promise in a link-up with fellow substitute and debutant Marco Asensio as the pair combined to unnerve the Spurs defence.

In a post on Instagram following the game, Rashford thanked Villa Park for a warm welcome, to which his former United team-mate Jadon Sancho commented "freedom" in what fans have interpreted as a dig at United.

Both players remain on United's books but their respective situations share some parallels, with Sancho also on loan at Chelsea after falling out of favour with former United boss Erik ten Hag last season.

Sancho spent six months at his former club Borussia Dortmund last term after being banished from Ten Hag's squad for disciplinary reasons. However, Sancho's current loan at Stamford Bridge is understood to include an obligation to buy if certain thresholds are met.

Sancho himself has found some 'freedom' away from Old Trafford, starring in Dortmund's Champions League run to the final at Wembley in 2024. This term for Chelsea, he has matched his United assist record in 68 fewer games with six. Sancho has also scored twice this season for the Blues.