Aston Villa Cruise into FA Cup Semi-Finals with Convincing 3-0 Victory Over Preston

Aston Villa reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Preston, thanks to two goals from Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford's impressive performance led Aston Villa to a 3-0 victory over Preston in the FA Cup, securing their spot in the semi-finals for the first time in a decade. Rashford scored twice in the second half at Deepdale, breaking through Preston's resilient defense. Jacob Ramsey then sealed the win, confirming Villa's long-awaited return to the last four.

Marcus Rashford didn't even look at the ball for his penalty 😱#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/MbsewYwl6s

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Rashford's goals marked a significant milestone in his revitalized career since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United in January. Prior to his move, Rashford had experienced a decline in form over the past two years. However, he is now beginning to showcase the skills that once made him one of England's most promising stars.

Aston Villa's semi-final opponent will be Crystal Palace, who secured a 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. The match will take place at Wembley on the weekend of April 26th-27th. Rashford expressed his ambition for the season, stating, “We're very ambitious.” Villa's victory over Preston has ignited hopes of a successful campaign, and Rashford's form will be crucial in their pursuit of glory.

Concerns over Marcus Rashford's attitude and off-field behavior led to his departure from Manchester United, where he had also clashed with former manager Erik ten Hag. United manager Ruben Amorim deemed Rashford expendable, and the 27-year-old had not scored since netting against Everton on December 1st. However, since joining Aston Villa, Rashford has found a new lease on life.

Rashford's performance against Preston was a testament to his revitalized form. Deployed as a central striker, a role that had previously seemed to affect his confidence at United, Rashford proved too dynamic for the second-tier opponents to handle. His goals have sparked hopes that his career might not end in disappointment after all. Reflecting on his performance, Rashford said, “It's a great feeling, I feel like I've been getting fitter and playing better football since I've been here.”

Rashford acknowledged the importance of scoring goals as a forward, saying, “It's always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues.” He also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play regularly at Villa, having missed a significant amount of football before joining the team. “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.”

Rashford's ambition for the season is clear, and he believes that Aston Villa can achieve great things. “We're very ambitious. We'll see where it takes us,” he said. In contrast to his former team, Manchester United, who have been struggling with turmoil, Rashford has found a new sense of purpose at upwardly mobile Villa.

Aston Villa's memorable run in the Champions League, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals, has been matched by their impressive form in the FA Cup. With an outside chance of qualifying for next season's Champions League, Villa are poised for a memorable climax to the campaign. The team's last FA Cup victory was in 1957, and their last final appearance ended in defeat against Arsenal in 2015. Manager Unai Emery praised Marcus Rashford's contribution to the team, saying, “His commitment to work, to adapt quick is very important, and he's doing it.”

Rashford's performance against Preston was a testament to his growing confidence and adaptability. Emery noted that Rashford is taking steps towards reaching his best level, saying, “To feel comfortable, playing in his best level, there is still work but today he did one step forward, getting confident, scoring goals.” Emery acknowledged that Rashford is making progress in his adaptation to the team, adding, “He was obviously getting better but this was one more step in his adaptation and helping us.”

The match against Preston saw several scoring opportunities for both teams. Rashford's free-kick forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action, while Ezri Konsa's glancing header whistled just wide from Marco Asensio's cross. Stefan Thordarson wasted a golden opportunity to give Preston a shock lead when he poked wide. Villa eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, with Rashford timing his run perfectly to meet Lucas Digne's low cross with a clinical finish from 12 yards.

An @emirates Player of the Match performance from @MarcusRashford 👏#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/KHCktr8o3J

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025

Emery was cautious when asked about the possibility of Rashford making a permanent move to Villa in the close season. “It's not yet” the right time to discuss Rashford's future, Emery said, choosing to focus on the team's current campaign rather than speculation about potential transfers. With Rashford's form continuing to impress, Villa fans will be eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

Aston Villa continued to press for more goals, with Morgan Rogers being denied by Preston goalkeeper Cornell shortly after. Villa's relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 63rd minute, when Rogers was tripped by Andrew Hughes inside the penalty area, earning his team a spot-kick.

Marcus Rashford stepped up to take the penalty, showcasing his composure and nerves of steel. He sent Cornell the wrong way, calmly slotting the ball into the net to give Villa a 2-0 lead. This was Rashford's second goal of the match, and it marked a significant turning point in the game.

Jacob Ramsey sealed the win for Aston Villa eight minutes later, putting the result beyond doubt. Ramsey made a surging run towards the Preston area, collecting the ball and unleashing a powerful strike that drilled past Cornell. This was Ramsey's fourth goal of the season, and it capped off a convincing 3-0 victory for Villa.