Marcus Rashford scored a brace to help Aston Villa secure a comfortable 3-0 win against Preston, sending his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years on Sunday.
Rashford’s two second-half goals at Deepdale broke Preston’s resistance, and Jacob Ramsey added a third to seal Villa’s long-awaited return to the last four.
Villa will now face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals at Wembley on April 26-27.
Since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, Rashford has shown glimpses of his former brilliance, raising hopes that his career can be revived.
After struggling with form and off-field issues at United, Rashford’s move to Villa has provided a fresh start.
The 27-year-old’s performance against Preston deployed as a central striker, showcased his dynamism and potential.
“It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s always nice for a forward to get a goal, so hopefully it continues,” Rashford said.
“I missed a lot of football before joining up with Villa. It’s step-by-step. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now. We’re very ambitious. We’ll see where it takes us.”
Rashford has thrived at Villa, while his former club, Manchester United, has struggled. Unai Emery’s side is enjoying a successful season, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and contending for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Rashford’s contribution could play a vital role in Villa’s pursuit of their first FA Cup title since 1957.
“His commitment to work, to adapt quickly, is very important, and he’s doing it,” Emery said. “To feel comfortable, playing at his best level, there is still work, but today he did one step forward, getting confident, scoring goals. He was obviously getting better, but this was one more step in his adaptation and helping us.”
Emery declined to comment on the possibility of Rashford’s permanent transfer to Villa at this stage.
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