After a cagey first half in the Carabao Cup on Thursday night, the third-round tie sprung into life in the second half as the Red Devils were forced to fight back from a goal down twice.
Garnacho was part of a triple sub Erik ten Hag made in the 62nd minute when the hosts were 2-1 down, with Rashford levelling the scores just five minutes later.
The Argentine teenager then created United’s third match of the evening, latching onto a poor kick from the Villa keeper and sliding in Bruno Fernandes, before producing a magical assist for Scott McTominay to wrap up a 4-2 victory.
Garnacho has been a real bright spark for the Red Devils in recent weeks and Rashford feels he is becoming an important weapon particularly off the bench, though he has encouraged the 18-year-old to keep on improving.
Asked if Garnacho is now really making his mark at United, Rashford told MUTV: ‘Yeah definitely. He’s just full of energy, full of confidence.
‘It’s refreshing to have someone like that on the bench, someone who can come on and make a big impact like that.
‘But you know, for me, it’s just the start for him. I think there’s a lot more to come from him, a lot more goals to come from him. So it’s good stepping stones for him.’
Ten Hag was also happy with Garnacho’s impact off the bench, though, like Rashford, feels the teenager is far from the finished article and needs to keep working hard to improve.
‘I think it was good that also when he came on that he showed performance that he has an impact in the game,’ said the Dutchman.
‘Quite clear, with two assists, some good dribbles, runs behind, but also some things he has to improve. For instance, when we go for the long ball, don’t go for the header with Scott McTominay, go for the second ball.
‘So he still has things to learn but it’s quite obvious we are really happy with his development, with his performance tonight and he can contribute to this team.’
He added: ‘Can he have a regular role? Depends on how his approach, how his attitude, when he keeps working, keeps this attitude, then it’s possible. That he keeps the attitude he wants to improve every day and he’s doing the right things in his lifestyle, then it’s possible.’
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