Marcus Rashford has described scoring his first goal for Aston Villa as “a great feeling” after netting a brace in a 3-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
The Manchester United loanee had contributed four assists in all competitions before the game but was finally off the mark when he scored in the 58th minute before doubling it from the penalty spot five minutes later.
Rashford owed it to becoming more fitter which he hopes will help him score on a more consistent basis.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I feel like I’ve slowly been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here.
“So, it’s obviously nice for a forward to always get goals.
“Hopefully it continues.”
He added: “Step by step I think I can still get fitter. I’ve missed a lot of football before joining up.
“At the minute my body feels good and I’m injury free and just enjoying my football.
“So, all good for now.”
27 – Since his first appearance in a major domestic cup in March 2016, Marcus Rashford’s 27 goals in the FA Cup (11) and League Cup (16) are the most of any player across the two competitions. Up. pic.twitter.com/LYgTlMqPM0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 30, 2025
Reacting to the performance of Rashford, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Fantastic. He is personally feeling better, comfortable, confident.
“Scoring goals of course is I think adding the confidence he needs, and of course helping us.
“I think the challenge we have – the club, the team, the squad and himself – is really one huge challenge to try to get together something, helping each one in our capacity to recover his best performances, and as well, adding us his qualities and his assists and his goals.”
Villa will get to face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals at Wembley on April 26 for a chance to reach the final for the first time since 2015 when they lost to Arsenal.
