Marcus Rashford: One of England’s Best Ever Forwards

Marcus Rashford is one of the most exciting forwards boasting incredible pace and directness in his play much like Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr. He is also an important player for England alongside Harry Kane and Phil Foden.

Rashford is one of the most popular footballers in the world today, a testament to his footballing prowess and philanthropic activities which is a beacon of light and hope for many across the world. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we delve into the career and life of Sir Marcus Rashford (MBE).

Player Profile – Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United and the England national team. He joined Manchester United’s youth academy at age seven and made his first-team debut in 2016, scoring twice in his first Premier League match.

He is one of the most prolific players in Three Lions history and also an icon in the Premier League, however, Rashford is celebrated not only for his on-field performances but also for his impactful social activism.

His campaign against child food poverty in the UK was inspired by his own childhood experiences and it led to significant policy changes and earned him widespread recognition, including an MBE.

Player Profile Overview

Marcus Rashford’s Early Life and Background

Marcus Rashford was born on October 31, 1997, in Wythenshawe, Manchester, England. He was raised by his single mother, Melanie Maynard, who worked multiple jobs to support Marcus and his siblings amid financial struggles.

Rashford has two older brothers, Dwaine Maynard and Dane Rashford, two older sisters, Chantelle and Claire Rashford, and a half-sister, Tamara Rashford.

Attending Button Lane Primary School, Rashford’s football talent was evident early on, leading him to join Manchester United’s youth academy at age seven.

Despite economic hardships, his family’s support, particularly from his brothers was pivotal in Rashford’s progress. Dwaine is involved in his management and Dane has a close bond with Marcus.

These early life challenges, including food insecurity, deeply influenced Rashford’s character and later philanthropic endeavours. His dedication to football and the strong familial bonds helped him rise above adversity, driving his commitment to social causes aimed at addressing child hunger and poverty.

Marcus Rashford’s Playing Style and Strength

Marcus Rashford’s playing style is characterized by his versatility, speed, and technical ability. Predominantly playing as a forward, he is capable of operating on the wings or as a central striker.

Rashford’s key attributes include his explosive acceleration, dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal. He excels in one-on-one situations, often using his pace to outrun defenders and his agility to navigate tight spaces.

The Englishman is known for his powerful and accurate shots, making him a constant threat in and around the penalty area. His ability to shoot with both feet adds to his unpredictability.

Additionally, he is adept at linking up play, contributing to his team’s build-up with clever passes and intelligent movement off the ball.

Marcus Rashford’s Career Highlights

Marcus Rashford continued his upward trajectory in the 2019-2020 season with a new contract and impressive early form. His goal-scoring prowess was evident, highlighted by a prolific scoring streak. However, a significant setback came in the form of a back injury that sidelined him for several months.

Despite the interruption, Rashford returned strong, contributing to Manchester United’s push for silverware. His impact was recognized with prestigious awards.

The following season saw a mixed bag of performances for Rashford. While he showcased his talent with standout moments like hat-tricks and crucial goals, persistent injury issues hampered his consistency. A major surgery at the end of the season further disrupted his progress.

Marcus Rashford’s Best Ever Season

Marcus Rashford enjoyed a remarkable season under Erik ten Hag. He started the season impressively, scoring crucial goals against Liverpool and Arsenal. A highlight was reaching his 100th goal for Manchester United, a testament to his consistency.

Despite a minor setback for disciplinary reasons, Rashford bounced back strongly. His performance in the Manchester derby was instrumental in securing a vital victory. He continued his excellent form by scoring against Barcelona and contributing to Manchester United’s EFL Cup triumph.

The season culminated in Rashford breaking the 30-goal barrier, a feat previously achieved by club legend Robin van Persie. His exceptional performances earned him multiple Player of the Year awards, solidifying his status as a key figure at Manchester United.

Marcus Rashford’s Second FA Cup Triumph

Marcus Rashford committed his long-term future to Manchester United by signing a lucrative five-year contract in July 2023. However, the subsequent months presented challenges for the English forward.

He faced disciplinary action for oversleeping, missing a team meeting, and calling in sick resulting in being dropped from the squad. Additionally, a dip in form, arguably the worst season in his professional career led to public criticism.

These issues came amidst a season where the team was experiencing inconsistencies. Despite the turbulent season as a player and also a turbulent season for the club, Rashford has cause to smile.

Manchester United beat their noisy neighbours 2-1 in the FA Cup final courtesy of two goals from Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. However, Marcus Rashford face more disappointment as he was omitted from the Three Lions Squad representing England at the 2024 UEFA Euros in Germany.

Marcus Rashford’s International Career

Marcus Rashford‘s international journey began with the England under-16 team in 2012. However, due to his physical development and the desire to focus on his progress at Manchester United, his involvement was limited.

A rapid rise saw him graduate to the England under-20 and under-21 teams within a short period. Notably, he scored a hat-trick on his only appearance for the under-21s.

Despite being eligible for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, Rashford opted to focus on his senior career following discussions with Manchester United and England managers.

Three Lions Debut

The Englishman’s exceptional performances for Manchester United led to immediate calls for his inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2016. Despite initial skepticism, he was selected and made a historic debut, becoming the youngest Englishman to score on his debut after scoring against Australia in a 2-1 victory.

His impact was felt at Euro 2016, showcasing his potential on the international stage and While England’s campaign ended in disappointment, Rashford’s performance was promising.

Subsequent call-ups and appearances solidified his place in the national team setup. He played a crucial role in England’s successful World Cup qualification campaign and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.

EURO Final Heartbreak

Marcus Rashford continued his rise in the England national team, contributing goals and assists during the UEFA Nations League campaign. His impressive performances earned him the captain’s armband in a warm-up match for Euro 2020.

A significant moment in his international career was being named captain of England for the first time in 2021. He marked the occasion by scoring a penalty in a victory over Romania.

Marcus Rashford was selected for the Euro 2020 squad and he played a crucial role in England’s journey to the final. Unfortunately, he missed a crucial penalty in the shootout, leading to England’s defeat.

The aftermath of the final saw Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka subjected to racist abuse after missing their spot kicks in the defeat to Italy. Although the team ultimately lost in a penalty shootout, Rashford’s impact on the tournament was undeniable.

Marcus Rashford 2022 World Cup and Missing out on EURO 2024

Marcus Rashford faced a challenging period in his international career following the Euro 2020 final. Injuries and a dip in form led to exclusions from the England squad for several matches.

Despite these setbacks, he made a remarkable comeback, earning a place in the 2022 World Cup squad. His performances in the tournament were impressive, including a record-breaking goal against Iran and a brace against Wales, and his second goal was England’s 100th goal in World Cup History.

However, he was surprisingly omitted from the preliminary squad for Euro 2024; however, his omission was a combination of  injuries and a horrible season with Manchester United.

Comparison with Other Football Greats

Marcus Rashford has been frequently compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, particularly in his early career. His speed, skill and goal-scoring ability draw parallels to Ronaldo’s early years at Manchester United.

Rashford also matched Rooney’s achievement of scoring a brace for United at the age of 18 years and 120 days, highlighting his potential and the high expectations placed on him to emulate the success of these football legends. He has also been compared to Kylian Mbappe due to their pace and direct style of football.

Marcus Rashford’s Inspiration and Idols

Early in his career when he thought he would end up between the posts, Marcus Rashford cited former Man United goalkeeper, Tim Howard as someone he looked up to.

As his career progressed, he also admired and drew inspiration from two legendary Man United players, Sir Bobby Charlton and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Outside of Football

Marcus Rashford is in a long-term relationship with Lucia Loi, his childhood sweetheart, and they often keep their romance private. He enjoys various hobbies such as playing basketball, guitar, and snooker, participating in fashion shows, and spending time with his dog, Saint.

Melanie Rashford has been a steadfast support, especially during his childhood, while Dwaine manages his career, and Dane shares a close bond with him. Although the England attacker and his father were estranged, Rashford has reconciled with his father, who now collaborates with his sons in managing the Manchester United star’s career.

Philanthropy and Lifestyle

Rashford has engaged in notable philanthropic efforts, he has been instrumental in combating food poverty in the UK, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him an MBE in October 2020.

Rashford lives a luxurious lifestyle, owning high-end cars like Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover models, and sometimes uses a private jet for travel.

He built an £800,000 house for his mother and brothers near their childhood home in Wythenshawe and later constructed his own customized house worth £1.85 million.

Although his parents preferred his brothers manage his career, Rashford also caught the attention of Jay Z and his Roc Nation Sports agency. Marcus’s tattoos, such as the lion, scroll with praying hands, and house, symbolize his personality, family, and roots.

Conclusion

Marcus Rashford is a dynamic forward who has rapidly risen through the ranks to become a pivotal figure for both Manchester United and the England national team. His exceptional talent, coupled with his philanthropic endeavors, has solidified his status as a modern-day football icon.