Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has lauded the transformative influence of Marcus Rashford after the on-loan Manchester United forward scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday. The win at Deepdale secured Villa’s place in the semi-finals, marking their first appearance at this stage in a decade, and Rashford’s brace proved pivotal in turning a tightly contested match into a convincing triumph.
Rashford, who joined Villa on loan in January with an option to buy for £40 million, had endured a nine-game goal drought since his arrival, though he had contributed four assists in that span. His performance against Preston, however, silenced doubters, as he netted twice in a five-minute spell early in the second half to break the Championship side’s resistance. The 27-year-old England international opened the scoring in the 58th minute, finishing a precise cut-back from Lucas Digne with a cool side-footed effort, before converting a penalty in the 63rd minute after Morgan Rogers was felled in the box. Jacob Ramsey added a third in the 71st minute, sealing Villa’s ticket to Wembley, where they will face Crystal Palace in late April.
Speaking after the match, Emery hailed Rashford’s growing confidence and adaptation to his tactical system. “He’s looking fantastic—better, comfortable, confident,” Emery said. “There is still work to do to get him to his best level, but today he took one step forward. Scoring goals, feeling comfortable, and helping us—this is what we want from him.” The Spaniard, renowned for his success in cup competitions, emphasized the importance of Rashford’s commitment to the team’s collective plan, noting that his versatility as both a winger and a central striker has added a new dimension to Villa’s attack.
The victory underscored Villa’s burgeoning momentum under Emery, who has guided the club to the Champions League quarter-finals—where they will face Paris Saint-Germain—and kept them in contention for a top-four Premier League finish. The FA Cup now presents a tangible opportunity for silverware, a prospect not lost on Emery. “To be consistent in the Premier League is really the main objective we have, but being where we are now in the FA Cup, we have to enjoy it with the supporters because this competition means a lot to them,” he told The Independent. “We can take two objectives through the FA Cup—to get a trophy and play in Europe. In a case like that, it’s fantastic.”
Rashford’s resurgence has been a personal triumph as well. After falling out of favor at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, who criticized his attitude in training, the forward has found a new lease on life at Villa Park. His brace against Preston was his first since scoring twice against Everton on December 1, ending a barren run that had stretched across 14 games for club and country. “It’s a great feeling,” Rashford told BBC Sport post-match. “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.”
Statistically, Rashford’s impact was undeniable. He registered five shots—four on target—created three chances, and delivered two big chances, earning plaudits as the standout performer on the pitch. Since his Villa debut, only Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and teammate Marco Asensio have been involved in more goals across all competitions among Premier League players, a testament to his growing influence.