Marcus Rashford (Part 1)

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26 Mar 2024

Marcus Rashford (Part 1)

Marcus Rashford MBE, born on October 31, 1997, is a prominent figure in English football, known for his prowess as a forward for Premier League powerhouse Manchester United and the England national team.Rashford's journey in football began at the age of seven when he joined the esteemed Manchester United youth system. He quickly made waves upon his ascent to the first team, marking his debut with an impressive display by scoring two goals against Midtjylland in the UEFA Europa League in February 2016.

Just three days later, he made his Premier League debut against Arsenal, once again showcasing his scoring prowess with another goal. Rashford's remarkable start continued as he found the net in his first Manchester derby, as well as on his debuts in the EFL Cup and UEFA Champions League. With Manchester United, Rashford has enjoyed considerable success, including triumphs in the FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the FA Community Shield, and the UEFA Europa League.
On the international stage, Rashford made an immediate impact, scoring on his England debut in May 2016 and etching his name in history as the youngest English player to score in his first senior international match. He has represented England in multiple UEFA European Championships, including the 2016 edition, where he was the youngest player in the tournament, and the 2020 tournament, where he played a pivotal role in England's journey to the final, ultimately finishing as runners-up to Italy. Additionally, Rashford has donned the Three Lions jersey at the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Rashford has garnered widespread acclaim for his off-field endeavors. Using his platform as a football star, he has emerged as a vocal advocate for social change, actively campaigning against issues such as racism, homelessness, and child hunger in the United Kingdom. Rashford's efforts have earned him recognition from various organizations within and outside the realm of sports. Notably, he was honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) title for his outstanding contributions. His impact transcends football, as evidenced by a mural dedicated to him in Withington, crafted by renowned street artist Akse.

Marcus Rashford, born on October 31, 1997, hails from Manchester and spent his formative years in the Fallowfield, Withington, and Wythenshawe neighborhoods of the city. His diverse heritage includes paternal Jamaican roots and maternal lineage tracing back to Saint Kitts in the West Indies.
Raised in a working-class family, Rashford's mother, Melanie Maynard, single-handedly supported Marcus and his four siblings, often working multiple jobs and making sacrifices to ensure their well-being. Rashford's siblings include two brothers, Dwaine Maynard and Dane Rashford, both of whom pursued professional football careers, along with two sisters, Chantelle and Claire. Notably, he is also related to footballer Lois Maynard, who plays as a midfielder for Radcliffe.

Growing up, Rashford developed a deep affinity for Manchester United, his local football club, despite being surrounded by a family with divided loyalties between United and their rivals, Manchester City. He attended Ashton-on-Mersey School, which has a longstanding association with Manchester United, being close to their Carrington training ground. Rashford pursued his education at the school, focusing on a Business and Technology Education Council National Diploma in Sport, while also honing his football skills.

Marcus Rashford's football journey began at the age of five when he joined Fletcher Moss Rangers, initially playing as a goalkeeper and looking up to former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard as his idol. Rashford's talent quickly stood out, and he played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory in a tournament watched by scouts from various clubs.Rashford joined Manchester United's academy system, opting for United over interest from Everton and Liverpool. His brothers played a significant role in this decision. Despite facing logistical challenges in attending training sessions due to his family's work commitments, Rashford received support from youth coaches who arranged transportation for him.

Recognized for his athleticism and skill, Rashford became the youngest player ever selected for Manchester United's Schoolboy Scholars scheme at the age of 11. He honed his abilities by playing cage football with older players like Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, and Ravel Morrison, further enhancing his skills.
Rashford's progress continued as he excelled in various youth competitions and caught the eye of senior team coaches. He trained with the first team for the first time under David Moyes and impressed with his performance and maturity. Despite being just 16, he was considered a "high flier" by the coaching staff.

His breakthrough moment came when he was named on the first-team bench for the first time by Louis van Gaal. Although initially given the squad number 39, Rashford's potential was evident as he continued to impress in training sessions. Despite a loan bid from Crewe Alexandra being rejected, Rashford remained focused and determined to seize his opportunity whenever it came.
Marcus Rashford's rise to prominence at Manchester United was meteoric, catalyzed by a remarkable debut in a Europa League match against Midtjylland on February 25, 2016. Initially included in the squad due to an injury crisis, Rashford was unexpectedly thrust into the starting lineup after Anthony Martial sustained an injury in the warm-up. Despite the pressure of the situation, Rashford seized the opportunity, scoring two goals in the second half and announcing his arrival on the European stage.

His impressive debut performance was quickly followed by another standout display in his Premier League debut against Arsenal, where he again found the net twice and provided an assist in a thrilling 3-2 victory. This remarkable start to his senior career earned him praise from manager Louis van Gaal, who lauded Rashford's character and talent while urging caution against undue hype from the media.
Rashford's impact continued to grow throughout the season, as he made history by becoming the youngest scorer in the Premier League era in the Manchester derby against Manchester City. His goals in crucial matches, including the FA Cup tie against West Ham United and the league match against Aston Villa, further cemented his status as a rising star.

His contributions played a significant role in Manchester United's FA Cup triumph that season, marking his first major trophy with the club. Rashford's remarkable debut season culminated in him winning the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award and signing a new contract with United, reflecting the club's confidence in his potential and securing his future at Old Trafford.
During the 2016-17 season, Marcus Rashford continued to establish himself as a key member of the Manchester United senior squad under the management of José Mourinho. Given the number 19 shirt, Rashford faced increased competition for playing time following the arrival of veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimović. Despite often starting from the bench, Rashford's talent and potential were widely recognized, with Ibrahimović himself praising the young forward as the future of English football.

Rashford's first goal of the season came in dramatic fashion against Hull City on August 27, 2016, when he scored in injury time after coming on as a substitute. He followed this up with three more goals in the following month, including strikes against Watford, Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, and Leicester City. Although he experienced a goal drought on the pitch, Rashford's performances earned him recognition as the runner-up in the Golden Boy award for the best European player under 21.