Phi Jones has backed Marcus Rashford to rediscover his form during his loan spell with Aston Villa.

Manchester United agreed a deal for Rashford with Aston Villa in the final days of the winter transfer window and the Birmingham club have the option to make the deal permanent.

Villa are covering at least 75 per cent of Rashford's wages, which could rise to 90 per cent, depending on performance-based bonuses. The 27-year-old's relationship with Ruben Amorim broke down in December, and Rashford now has the challenge of getting back to his best.

READ MORE: When Diego Leon can join Man United after deadline day failure and latest injury blow

READ MORE: 'Makes more sense' - Man United icon Cristiano Ronaldo lines up shock new career after football

Jones is Rashford's former teammate and shared his thoughts with the BBC on his United exit, which led him to suggest Rashford needs to "fall in love" with football again.

The retired United centre-back also questioned what has gone on "behind the scenes" with Rashford, but backed him to excel at Villa Park, provided his loan gets off to a quick start.

"If they really evaluate the situation, they will be disappointed with his performances and he's not played a lot over the last 18 months, for one reason or another," said Jones.

"But I think he's a Manchester United boy, he knows the club inside out and loves playing for the club. He's made that know and there's a kid there who has unbelievable amounts of talent.

"I can only speak personally from when I played with him at United and England. I think he's a fantastic player who needs a bit of love and support, and I think it's best for both parties that he parts ways and has a change of scenery.

"When he came into the [United] squad and was away training with England for the first time, all the talk in the changing room was about what a player this kid was. He has so much potential, ability with the ball, running at speed, left foot and right, and he's lost his confidence at the minute.

"I hope he can get that back. We're always quick to criticise players who aren't performing, but sometimes you don't know what's going on behind the scenes and who knows? But Marcus Rashford has to rediscover his confidence, his form and fall in love with football again.

"I just think there's a kid there... Actually, he's not a kid anymore, he's a mature player who has a lot of experience behind him now, but he has to want it himself. It's a new dressing room, a change of scenery, different messages, voices in the changing room and ideas from the manager.

"If he can get off the ground quick and score a few goals early on, I'm sure you'll see the best of him."

Amorim has denied it would be "humiliating" or "embarrassing" for United if Rashford regains form at Villa. "Humiliating?" Amorim asked after United lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"It’s not embarrassing. When you loan a player - and I don’t think it’s official - you expect him to play and to improve, so there is nothing humiliating there. I understand the question but I am just focused on my players, that’s all.

"When the window closes, I will be really focused on just our team and to improve our team."