User Review
( votes)Marcus Rashford – The Next Generation
Louis van Gaal’s legacy at Manchester United will not be one many fans will remember with much fondness. But if he does depart in the summer, he will leave knowing he has unearthed one of the brightest new talents in English football.
A STAR IS BORN
Born on the 31st of October 1997, a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford is the new darling of the Stretford End, the very place he would watch his heroes when he was growing up. Thrown in at the deep end by the Dutchman in a Europa League game against Midtjylland because of the late withdrawal of Anthony Martial, Rashford scored two second-half goals in a 5-1 win. To prove that was no fluke, he picked up another brace just three days later in the home win over Arsenal, making him the third youngest scorer for United in Premier League history. On Sunday, he became part of Old Trafford folklore, after scoring the only goal in the derby day win over Manchester City. Life will never be the same again for the 18-year-old.
FORMER OLD TRAFFORD GREATS SALUTE THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
A Marcus Rashford goal is becoming a popular choice on the best football predictions, and whilst people inside the game are not getting too carried away by the young man’s achievements, it would be foolish to think he was just another “flash-in-the-pan” striker who will be gone as quickly as he has arrived. Former Red Devil Rio Ferdinand believes he can become a world class front-man for both club and country and his academy coach and former United midfielder Nicky Butt, maintains he has the making to be an England international – provided he is given time declaring that; “Marcus is explosive, he’s a very talented boy but a good, hard worker as well. He’s a good lad to have in the side because he puts a shift in for the team. He’s explosive and he scores goals.”
FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A LONG LINE OF STARS
Rashford is the latest United youngster to emerge from the renowned Fletcher Moss junior football club. Wes Brown, Danny Welbeck, Ravel Morrison, Zeki Fryers and Tyler Blackett all played for the Didsbury team, while some of Rashford’s current teammates at United also featured for Fletcher Moss. Sunday’s goal at the Etihad will be particularly sweet as Manchester City tried to prize him away from Old Trafford in 2014, but the youngster preferred to stay at his boyhood club.
A LOOK TO THE FUTURE
With a new contract waiting for him at the end of the season, Rashford is keeping his feet on the floor. He’s already declined to put pen to paper on a new deal before the summer, stating that he wants to “Prove he is worth his pay raise. “A raise that could see his weekly earnings go from £1500 to £10,000. Credit must also be given to his current boss who, despite all the criticisms levelled against him, has not been scared to trust in youth in times of crisis. With a new man expected in the Theatre of Dreams hot-seat this summer, it will be hoped that he continues to develop this exceptional young footballer; the best football betting websites will be preparing to lay odds for him to be top Premier League goalscorer in 2016-17.
By: Steve Mitchell