Marcus Rashford double fires Aston Villa into FA Cup semi finals

PRESTON – Marcus Rashford said he is “enjoying his football” after his first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston North End that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years on March 30.

The 27-year-old 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.

Said Rashford: “It’s a great feeling, 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.

“We have to take it one game at a time and give it 100 per cent on the pitch and see where it takes us. We’re very ambitious.

“Step by step. I think I can still get fitter. I missed a lot of football before joining up with them. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now.”

Revitalised 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, before his steep decline over the last two years.

Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behaviour, he was deemed expendable by United manager Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.

He had not scored since netting twice for United against Everton in the Premier League 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, a 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