Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford
A dream start for Rashford!
At 18 years and 120 days, Marcus Rashford has become the youngest ever player to score for Manchester Utd in European competition. His two debut goals against the Danish team, FC Midtjylland, in the UEFA Europa League broke a record that had lasted for 51 years! To prove that his debut goals were no fluke, Rashford scored two more goals on his Premier Leage debut, three days later. His two goals and one assist, against Arsenal in a 3-2 win for the Red Devils, showed that his goals against the Danish Champions weren't a one-off and it was no surprise when the teenager was given a standing ovation from the fans when he was substituted. Rashford is the name on the lips of many Manchester Utd fans at the moment.
"This is my first game in the Premier League, so obviously it's been amazing and to score two is just a bonus." Marcus Rashford, Manchester Utd striker.
Who is Marcus Rashford?
Marcus Rashford was born in October 1997, in Wythenshawe, which is a poor area in the south of Manchester. As a child, he played for Fletcher Moss Rangers, which is a youth team that has become famous locally for producing top players. Some of the Premier League players that have played for this youth team include; Danny Welbeck (Manchester Utd & Arsenal), Wes Brown (Manchester Utd & Sunderland), and Ravel Morrison (West Ham & Lazio). Tyler Blackett and Cameron Borthwick-Johnson also played for this youth team and have joined Rashford in Manchester Utd's first-team squad this season. As a teenager, Rashford also took part in Manchester Utd's Street Reds programme. Street Reds is run by the Manchester Utd Foundation and gives free football sessions and other activities to young people aged 8-18 in the Manchester area. The programme also gives children opportunities to learn new skills and work towards qualifications in a supportive and positive environment.
"They all wanted Marcus on their five-a-side teams and it caused a few arguments when they were all trying to pick him, but it didn’t affect him." Dave Chapman, a coach on the Street Reds programme.
Will Marcus Rashford make it in the Premier League?
Some people will argue that Marcus Rashford has already made it. He is playing in the Premier League for one of the biggest clubs in world football. However, there are examples of teenagers who have made great starts to their Premier League careers and faded away, and those that have continued to perform at the highest level. Let's first take a look at those players that Rashford would love to emulate:
- Wayne Rooney - scored his first Premier League goal, for Everton, at 18 years and 120 days, exactly the same age as Marcus Rashford. He has gone on to become one of the greatest ever Premier League players and Manchester Utd goalscorers.
- Ryan Giggs - played his first game for Manchester Utd as a 17 year-old and went on to win more trophies than any other player in Englsh football history.
- Cesc Fabregas - became Arsenal's youngest ever player at 16 years and 177 days and has gone on to win the Premier League with Chelsea and World Cup with Spain.
And some career paths that Rashford hopes not to follow:
- James Vaughan - Vaughan became the youngest ever Premier League goalscorer when he scored for Everton aged 16 years and 271 days. However, played only 47 times in 7 years at Everton and is currently with Birmingham City, in the second division.
- Matthew Briggs - at 16 years and 65 days Briggs became the youngest player to ever play in the Premier League, when he came on as a substitute for Fulham in 2007. But, he played only 13 times in 8 years with Fulham and is now playing for Colchester Utd, in the English third division.
- Federico Macheda - like Rashford, Macheda scored on his debut for Manchester Utd, and like Rashford he also scored in his next match. However, he only scored two more Premier League goals for the club and is currently playing for Cardiff City in the second division.
Is it important for teams to include local talent?
Manchester Utd are famous for producing young players that come through the youth system and many of these players come from the Manchester area, like Marcus Rashford. This season, the Manchester Utd manager, Louis van Gaal, has continued this tradition and introduced many young players to the first-team. These players include the most expensive teenager in football history, Anthony Martial, but also include local players like Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Jesse Lingard and Tyler Blackett. Many fans like the fact that some of the players come from the local area and stay with the club throughout their careers. Here are some examples of one-club players:
- Gary Neville - born in Greater Manchester, Neville made 602 appearances for Manchester Utd between 1992 and 2011.
- Tony Adams - born in London, Adams played 674 times for Arsenal between 1983 and 2002.
- Jamie Carragher - born in the Liverpool area, Carragher played 737 matches for Liverpool but he was actually an Everton fan as a child!
- Ledley King - born in London, King made 321 appearances for Tottenham between 1999 and 2012.
Did you know......?
- Rashford broke George Best's record to become the youngest player to score in Europe for Man Utd. If Rashford can enjoy a career like the Manchester Utd legend, the fans will be very, very happy.
- Rashford, aged 18 years and 120 days, is exactly the same age as Wayne Rooney was, when he scored his first Premier League goals.
- Rashford is one of only six players to have played a part in three goals on their Premier League debut.
- Most Premier League players wear brightly coloured boots these days. Rashford's are still black because Manchester Utd have a rule that youth players can't change the colour!
- Rashford scored with his first shot in his first two games for Manchester Utd.
Quiz
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What do you think?
Do you think Rashford will become a Premier League star?
Do you think it's important that clubs use players from their local area?
Is it important for players to stay at a club for a long time? Why? Why not?
How do you feel if a player moves away from your club after a long time?
Leave your message in the comments section below.
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Comments
01/03/2023
points
Great player! I´m looking forward to more Marcus Rashford podcasts.
01/03/2023 07:19
Manchester United
71
Great player! I´m looking forward to more Marcus Rashford podcasts.
25/10/2022
points
As a local talent she was eager to emulate olympic record.
He has been praised for his skill on the managing as well as solvinging the issues ability.
25/10/2022 16:24
Tottenham Hotspur
5552
As a local talent she was eager to emulate olympic record.
He has been praised for his skill on the managing as well as solvinging the issues ability.
16/10/2020
points
Yes it helps him to build more confidence
16/10/2020 06:02
Liverpool
95
Yes it helps him to build more confidence
26/06/2020
points
I think staying in one club for a long time and even all of your career is so important nevertheless players like to change clubs to earn higher wages.
26/06/2020 23:02
Manchester United
6536
I think staying in one club for a long time and even all of your career is so important nevertheless players like to change clubs to earn higher wages.
26/06/2020
points
Using players from local areas is important because of their loyalty and commitment to the city and the club.
26/06/2020 22:49
Manchester United
6536
Using players from local areas is important because of their loyalty and commitment to the city and the club.
26/06/2020
points
I do believe that Rashford will be the best 10 players in the world not only in the Premier League.
26/06/2020 22:46
Manchester United
6536
I do believe that Rashford will be the best 10 players in the world not only in the Premier League.
13/06/2019
points
I love him
13/06/2019 08:14
Chelsea
2
I love him
20/03/2019
points
Marcus Rashford is great
20/03/2019 01:37
Manchester United
5
Marcus Rashford is great
08/02/2019
points
I think he can be a European football star and also be a reference player for his hometown. it always hurts a dear player to move from the team, but sometimes they are traded for the good of the club
08/02/2019 00:55
Manchester City
109
I think he can be a European football star and also be a reference player for his hometown. it always hurts a dear player to move from the team, but sometimes they are traded for the good of the club
18/07/2016
points
I don't think so
18/07/2016 15:02
Manchester City
1734
I don't think so
18/07/2016
points
it seems to be difficult
18/07/2016 15:00
Manchester City
1734
it seems to be difficult
01/06/2016
points
Rafford made the 23 man squad cut and am really excited for him. I think he has worked hard and deserves the shot he has been given.
01/06/2016 15:01
Manchester United
4779
Rafford made the 23 man squad cut and am really excited for him. I think he has worked hard and deserves the shot he has been given.
10/04/2016
points
I remember his super performance when scoring twice and assist in 3-2 win against the Gunners. His future is good.
10/04/2016 10:12
Arsenal
2320
I remember his super performance when scoring twice and assist in 3-2 win against the Gunners. His future is good.
21/03/2016
points
Rashford is a rising star! He will make history for the club!
21/03/2016 09:55
Arsenal
2453
Rashford is a rising star! He will make history for the club!
19/03/2016
points
Rashford seems to have great talent. I hope he follows the steps of fantastic players such as Rooney, Giggs or Fabregas as this article says.
19/03/2016 12:17
Manchester City
841
Rashford seems to have great talent. I hope he follows the steps of fantastic players such as Rooney, Giggs or Fabregas as this article says.
15/03/2016
points
I feel sad, as Del piero left Juventus after 19 years playing with the first team of Juventus.
15/03/2016 14:26
Liverpool
3705
I feel sad, as Del piero left Juventus after 19 years playing with the first team of Juventus.
15/03/2016
points
Yes it is.
15/03/2016 14:25
Liverpool
3705
Yes it is.
15/03/2016
points
Yes i do.
15/03/2016 14:24
Liverpool
3705
Yes i do.
13/03/2016
points
Yes Rashford can become a Premier League star.
Nowadays some clubs don't use players from their local area and even from their country.
For improving their self culture some clubs try to comfort some local players in their club.
There is some kind of honour and happiness to see players still in home club but only if this club stays up leveled.
13/03/2016 13:15
Manchester City
3988
Yes Rashford can become a Premier League star.
Nowadays some clubs don't use players from their local area and even from their country.
For improving their self culture some clubs try to comfort some local players in their club.
There is some kind of honour and happiness to see players still in home club but only if this club stays up leveled.
11/03/2016
points
Marcus Rashford could become a premier league star if he persist in his scoring abilities.
Yes clubs should use players from local areas. when this is done it will encourage more young one s who have the talent to put in more effort knowing that they could have an opportunity of playing for such clubs.
It is important for players to stay at a club for long because it helps them to be accustomed to the style of play of such teams. It is also not good to stay in a particular team for a long time because it limits the individual does not allow him to explore other teams.
it is sad when a player leaves my club after staying with us for long.
11/03/2016 14:50
Manchester United
4779
Marcus Rashford could become a premier league star if he persist in his scoring abilities.
Yes clubs should use players from local areas. when this is done it will encourage more young one s who have the talent to put in more effort knowing that they could have an opportunity of playing for such clubs.
It is important for players to stay at a club for long because it helps them to be accustomed to the style of play of such teams. It is also not good to stay in a particular team for a long time because it limits the individual does not allow him to explore other teams.
it is sad when a player leaves my club after staying with us for long.
10/03/2016
points
Well, these things about moving away and changing club's colours can be tricky. I must admit I don't like players who grew up and gained some skills in one club and suddenly changed the club only for higher wages. If some player doesn't get an opportunity to play and is sitting on the bench all the time then he's excused. But still, it's not recommended to move to your club's biggest rival if you have marked an era with some club. I remember how disappointed I was when Van Persie moved to Old Trafford. And I do believe he could have become one of the greatest..
10/03/2016 20:36
Arsenal
3557
Well, these things about moving away and changing club's colours can be tricky. I must admit I don't like players who grew up and gained some skills in one club and suddenly changed the club only for higher wages. If some player doesn't get an opportunity to play and is sitting on the bench all the time then he's excused. But still, it's not recommended to move to your club's biggest rival if you have marked an era with some club. I remember how disappointed I was when Van Persie moved to Old Trafford. And I do believe he could have become one of the greatest..
10/03/2016
points
It is better for young players to stay at a club if they have opportunity to learn, to develope new skills and to enjoy in the football. Only if they have better conditions to work and practice they should leave their currant clubs. And, another thing I'd like to mention here. I have always appreciated players who played with their hearts for their teams despite all the financial offers they had received. Good examples are Gerrard, Totti, Puyol, Scholes, Giggs, Zanetti and many more.
10/03/2016 16:16
Arsenal
3557
It is better for young players to stay at a club if they have opportunity to learn, to develope new skills and to enjoy in the football. Only if they have better conditions to work and practice they should leave their currant clubs. And, another thing I'd like to mention here. I have always appreciated players who played with their hearts for their teams despite all the financial offers they had received. Good examples are Gerrard, Totti, Puyol, Scholes, Giggs, Zanetti and many more.
10/03/2016
points
Clubs should use as many players from their local area as they can. In modern football, huge amount of money being spent every day and not so many local boys get their chance to play for the first team. Also, many national teams suffer because they don't have enough options and quit from the young players with lack of experience, playing mostly in the top 5 teams. I am of the opinion that financial fair play is a must!
10/03/2016 16:07
Arsenal
3557
Clubs should use as many players from their local area as they can. In modern football, huge amount of money being spent every day and not so many local boys get their chance to play for the first team. Also, many national teams suffer because they don't have enough options and quit from the young players with lack of experience, playing mostly in the top 5 teams. I am of the opinion that financial fair play is a must!
10/03/2016
points
It doesn't neccessarily mean that he will become a new PL star. We have witnessed many examples in the near past of young, super talented players who were simply in danger of disappearing off the football map. But he's on a good way and all he has to do is to keep training and focus on his currant team.
10/03/2016 15:57
Arsenal
3557
It doesn't neccessarily mean that he will become a new PL star. We have witnessed many examples in the near past of young, super talented players who were simply in danger of disappearing off the football map. But he's on a good way and all he has to do is to keep training and focus on his currant team.
10/03/2016
points
I hope that Rashford will become a Premier League Star.MU needs central forward like Rashford.Martial and Rooney aren't central forwards.
I think it's great if the player plays for a club for a long period of time.That shows his loyalty.But if you receive a call from stonger team,you should accept this challenge and play for the stronger team.Footballers must always increase their skills and play for gigantic clubs.
10/03/2016 15:44
Manchester United
1079
I hope that Rashford will become a Premier League Star.MU needs central forward like Rashford.Martial and Rooney aren't central forwards.
I think it's great if the player plays for a club for a long period of time.That shows his loyalty.But if you receive a call from stonger team,you should accept this challenge and play for the stronger team.Footballers must always increase their skills and play for gigantic clubs.
10/03/2016
points
YEs.
10/03/2016 14:47
Leicester City
1761
YEs.