On Sunday, Marcus Rashford’s first goals for Aston Villa led to a 3-0 victory over Preston, advancing his team to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in a decade.
After Preston’s obstinate resistance was broken by two goals from Rashford in the second half at Deepdale, Jacob Ramsey completed Villa’s much-anticipated return to the final four.
Rashford, who has been rejuvenated since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, is starting to display the kind of play that made him one of England’s best players before his sharp fall over the past two years.
Rashford also clashed with previous Old Trafford manager Erik ten Hag, and United manager Ruben Amorim decided he was replaceable due to his attitude and off-field conduct.
The 27-year-old hadn’t scored since December 1, when he scored for United against Everton.
In the most recent evidence that his career might not be doomed to fail, Rashford was too lively for second-tier Preston to handle while playing the central striker role that frequently seemed to undermine his confidence at United.
Rashford has profited from joining Villa, a team that is on the rise, while failing United has been embroiled in chaos.
After an incredible run, Emery’s team will play Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals of the Champions League in April.
Their chances of making it to the Champions League the next season are likewise slim.
Rashford might play a part in a spectacular season finale for Villa, who haven’t won the FA Cup since 1957 and lost to Arsenal in their most recent final in 2015.
On Saturday, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest secured their spots in the Wembley semi-finals, while Manchester City will travel to Bournemouth for the final quarterfinal later on Sunday.
For the first time since 1966, Preston, currently ranked 14th in the Championship, was participating in the quarterfinals.
Even though Paul Heckingbottom’s team had won 15 straight home games in all competitions, the brutal Villa proved too strong for the FA Cup winners of 1889 and 1938.
Ezri Konsa’s glancing header just missed Marco Asensio’s cross after Rashford’s free-kick caused Preston custodian David Cornell to make a save.
Stefan Thordarson squandered a fantastic chance to give Preston an unexpected lead when he missed.
Immediately after halftime, Rashford was just as careless, firing from inside the area directly at Cornell.
However, Rashford’s move was perfectly timed to meet Lucas Digne’s low cross with a brilliant strike from 12 yards out, breaking the tie for Villa in the 58th minute.
Shortly after, Villa attempted to assassinate Morgan Rogers, but Cornell stopped him.
Additionally, Rogers was awarded Villa’s penalty in the 63rd minute after Andrew Hughes tripped the England midfielder.
Rashford went up and made a bold spot-kick that sent Cornell reeling.
After eight minutes, Ramsey made it clear what had happened as he charged into the Preston area and hammered a strong shot past Cornell for his fourth goal of the year.
