Rashford scored two goals in Aston Villa’s 3-0 win over Preston North End, securing their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in a decade.
The 27- year -old forward, who joined Villa on loan from Manchester United in January, ended his goal drought with two second-half strikes at Deepdale. Jacob Ramsey added a third as Villa sealed their spot in the last four.
Rashford had struggled for form at United, with concerns over his attitude and off-field behavior leading manager Ruben Amorim to sanction his loan move.
However, he appears rejuvenated at Villa, rediscovering the form that once made him one of England’s brightest talents.
Villa, currently enjoying a strong season under Unai Emery, have also reached the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in April.
With an outside chance of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League, the club remains in contention for a historic campaign.
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Preston, sitting 14th in the Championship, were playing in their first FA Cup quarter-final since 1966. Despite their impressive home form, they were outclassed by Villa’s attacking quality.
Rashford opened the scoring in the 58th minute, converting Lucas Digne’s low cross. He then doubled the lead five minutes later from the penalty spot after Morgan Rogers was fouled in the area. Ramsey sealed the victory with a powerful strike in the 71st minute.
With Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace already in the semi-finals, Villa will wait to see if Manchester City or Bournemouth will join them at Wembley as they chase their first FA Cup triumph since 1957.
