Rashford double fires Villa into FA Cup semifinals

PRESTON: Marcus Rashford’s first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his side into the FA Cup semifinals 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.

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 last two years.

Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behavior, 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 Dec. 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.

While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.

Emery’s side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarterfinals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in April.

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 haven’t won the FA Cup since 1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2015. Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace booked their places in the Wembley semifinals on Saturday. 

Sitting 14th in the Championship, Preston were playing