Marcus Rashford’s first goals for Aston Villa on Sunday inspired a 3-0 win against Preston North End that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years.
Rashford struck twice in the second half at Deepdale to end Preston’s stubborn resistance before Jacob Ramsey wrapped up Villa’s long-awaited return to the last four.
Villa are to face Crystal Palace — 3-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday — in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium in London.
Photo: Reuters
Revitalized since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, Rashford is beginning to show the form that made him one of England’s brightest stars prior to his steep decline over the past two years.
Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behavior, Rashford was deemed expendable by United head coach Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford head coach Erik ten Hag.
The 27-year-old had not scored since netting for United against Everton on Dec. 1 last year.
Deployed in the central striker’s role that often seemed to dent his confidence at United, Rashford was too dynamic for second-tier Preston to handle in the latest sign that his career might not be destined to end in disappointment after all.
“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.”
While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.
Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain. They also have an outside chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Rashford could be part of a memorable climax to the campaign for Villa, who have not won the FA Cup since 1956-1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2014-2015.
“His commitment to work, to adapt quick is very important, and he’s doing it,” Emery said. “To feel comfortable, playing in 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.”
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