Marcus Rashford Double Fires Aston Villa Into FA Cup Semifinals

Marcus Rashford's first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years on Sunday. 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 will face Crystal Palace -- 3-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday -- in the semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 26-27. Revitalised 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 last two years.

Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behaviour, Rashford was deemed expendable by United manager Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.

The 27-year-old hadn't scored since netting for United against Everton on December 1.

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