Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford registered a superb second-half brace against Preston North End to secure Aston Villa’s place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Rashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute as he got on the end of a low cross to tap in home from close range. The goal was his first for Villa, since temporarily joining the club from United during the January transfer window.
RASHFOOOOORD! @MarcusRashford gets his first goal in @AVFCOfficial colours #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/wcOTvSCNyJ
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025
Five minutes later, Rashford doubled Villa’s advantage, this time sending Preston goalkeeper David Cornell the wrong way from the spot-kick.
He’s got another! @MarcusRashford looked so confident from the spot, and grabs his second of the day #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/WHagsK6bwI
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025
Jacob Ramsey then produced an emphatic finish to dash whatever little hopes Preston harboured of mounting a comeback.
During the time he was on the pitch before being replaced by Ollie Watkins, Rashford led the line for Villa.
Rashy #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/CzBdU43yQD
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025
The United loanee fired four total shots, all of which were on target. Two of them ended up in the back of the net. He embarked on two dribbles but couldn’t compete any of them. He could have had a hat-trick but missed a big goalscoring opportunity.
Rashford touched the ball 33 times and managed to find his teammates with 14 of the 15 passes he attempted (93% pass accuracy). Three of his passes were key passes.
The 27-year-old successfully connected with two of the three crosses he aimed. He created two big chances.
He won just one of the four ground duels he delved into and lost all three aerial challenges that he contested.
Rashford made one clearance, one interception and put in one tackle.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
It was a brilliant performance from the England international, whose resurgence in a Villa shirt doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down.
Rashford was named Player of the Match for his heroics at Deepdale
An @emirates Player of the Match performance from @MarcusRashford #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/KHCktr8o3J
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 30, 2025
Villa will face Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace in the semis.
The FA Cup semi-final draw has been made.
Who will lift the trophy at Wembley in May? #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/qTj3XFI75u
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 30, 2025
Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
