Marcus Rashford’s resurgence continued in stunning fashion as his brace inspired Aston Villa to a commanding 3-0 victory over Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The win secured Villa’s first semi-final appearance in a decade, marking a significant milestone in the club’s revival under Unai Emery.
Rashford’s Revival in Claret and Blue
Rashford, who joined Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, had endured a tough spell at Old Trafford before making the switch. Concerns over his attitude and off-field behavior saw United manager Ruben Amorim deem him surplus to requirements.
However, since his move, the 27-year-old forward has begun to recapture the form that once made him one of England’s brightest talents.
Before Sunday’s game, Rashford had not found the back of the net since scoring for United against Everton on December 1.
But against Preston, he delivered a statement performance, scoring twice in the second half to end the Championship side’s resistance before Jacob Ramsey sealed the win.
Villa’s Dominance at Deepdale
The match at Deepdale saw Villa impose themselves early, with Rashford at the heart of their attacking threats.
His well-struck free-kick in the first half forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action, while Ezri Konsa’s glancing header from Marco Asensio’s cross went just wide.
Despite their early dominance, Villa were unable to break the deadlock in the first half, and Preston nearly took advantage when Stefan Thordarson squandered a golden opportunity by poking his shot wide.
After the restart, Rashford had a chance to put Villa ahead but fired straight at Cornell. However, his persistence paid off in the 58th minute when he met Lucas Digne’s low cross with a composed finish from 12 yards out, giving Villa a deserved lead.
The goal energized Emery’s side, and just five minutes later, they earned a penalty after Morgan Rogers was brought down in the area by Andrew Hughes.
Rashford stepped up and confidently slotted the ball past Cornell, sending him the wrong way to double Villa’s lead.
Jacob Ramsey then put the result beyond doubt in the 71st minute. The England midfielder surged towards the Preston area before unleashing a powerful strike past Cornell for his fourth goal of the season.
Aston Villa’s Historic FA Cup Run
Villa’s victory means they will play at Wembley for the first time since their 2015 FA Cup final defeat against Arsenal. The club has not won the competition since 1957, and this season offers a golden opportunity to end that drought.
Under Emery, Villa have been in exceptional form, not only in the FA Cup but also in Europe. They have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in April, and they remain in contention for a top-four Premier League finish.
Preston’s Brave Fight Ends
Preston, who sit 14th in the Championship, were playing in the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1966. Paul Heckingbottom’s side came into the match with an impressive 15-game unbeaten home run across all competitions.
However, against a ruthless Villa, they struggled to cope with the Premier League side’s quality.
Despite their exit, Preston can take pride in their cup run, which included notable victories over higher-ranked opposition. Their focus will now return to securing a strong finish in the Championship.
Rashford’s Career at a Crossroads
For Rashford, this performance could be a turning point in his career. Once considered a future United legend, his form declined significantly over the past two years amid injuries, inconsistent performances, and off-field distractions.
His move to Villa, initially seen as a chance to rebuild confidence, is now looking like a masterstroke for both club and player.
Deployed as a central striker by Emery—contrary to the left-wing role he primarily occupied at United—Rashford has thrived with greater attacking freedom.
His movement, link-up play, and finishing ability were on full display against Preston, and he appears to be regaining the confidence that once made him one of England’s most feared forwards.
Now that semi-final at Wembley is secured, Villa will await the draw to see who they face next. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have already booked their places, while Manchester City and Bournemouth were set to battle for the final spot later on today.
For Rashford, this performance is a reminder of his capabilities. If he continues on this trajectory, a permanent move to Villa could be on the cards, especially if Emery sees him as a key piece in the club’s ambitious plans.
As Villa chase FA Cup glory and Champions League success, Rashford’s revival could play a crucial role in their push for silverware. His future remains uncertain, but for now, he is proving that his career is far from finished.
