I don’t know if there’s a player in world football that I feel more passionate about than Marcus Rashford. Which, to be honest, might be a bit of an odd thing to say.
Is he the best player I’ve ever seen play? No, not exactly. Is he the most exciting personality off the field? Again, not really. So why am I so drawn to some random lad from Manchester, England, who's probably a full 3,000 miles away from me at any given time?
The celebration (Via Sports Mania Asia)
Well, it helps that I’m a Manchester United fan. That helps a lot. But, while there are plenty random United players that I’ve loved for basically no reason (like Jesse Lingard, Marouane Fellaini, and most currently Wout Weghorst) there are plenty of players who have donned the Devil’s crest that I’ve found little to no interest in personally. But, Marcus has always been different, and I think that it all starts with to how he introduced himself to the club - his debut goals.
Back in February, 2016, I would have considered myself to have been something of a casual Manchester United fan. I was about 17 years old, and while I had played soccer for basically my entire life, I wouldn’t say that I had fallen in love with the Premier League quite yet (I was certainly a bigger fan of MLS at that time). Sure, I would watch United matches on TV when I could, but let’s just say if it was a 7:30 match on a Saturday morning, there was about a 0% chance I was getting up to tune in.
But then, this fella by the funny name of “Rashford” bagged a brace against Midtjylland in the Europa league, and then turned up on the double again against Arsenal just days later, and I remember being hooked in a way that I hadn’t been before. I remember looking at someone who was just a few months older than I was and thinking, “wow, that could basically be me”.
Rashford scoring one of his famous debut goals (Via Bleacher Report)
Now, as a 17 year old, D3-bound goalkeeper from New Jersey, I did actually understand at the time that the odds of me tucking away goals at the Stretford End were pretty unlikely. But, I think I just found it really cool that someone my age could be doing those things. Even though it was entirely unrelatable, it was completely inspiring.
From then on, Rashford kept developing as a player, and became a more and more important figure for Manchester United. Over the years, he upgraded his #39 shirt to a #19, then finally slipped on coveted #10, all while scoring titanic goals for his club and country in sizzling style and with a flair for the dramatic.
Off the field he was just as impressive. Not only had he managed to avoid back-page tabloid drama (often an issue for young breakout stars) but he established himself as an activist and advocate for social change while tackling issues spanning from racism to homelessness. Most notably, his efforts to fight child hunger in the UK saw him appointed MBE in 2020.
Rashford receiving MBE recognition (Via BBC)
But, despite all he had done for his club, country, and his community, his 2021/22 season put Rashford in a very difficult position. He struggled mightily with injury, with poor form, and with online abuse from fans as a result. He looked a shell of his former self, clearly lacking the very confidence that had made him such an electrifying player to begin with.
With all of these struggles came the inevitable rumors of him leaving the club. Many began to question if Marcus was “good enough” for Manchester United, and much of the United “twittersphere” appeared to have given up on the homegrown player.
As a huge fan of his, I tried to vouch for him anywhere I could, but in all honesty there was very little solid ground to argue from given his recent performances on the field. But nonetheless, I couldn’t stand the thought of him wearing anything else but red. So much so, I even drunkinly DM’d him on Instagram one night to send my support, as if that was the last piece of the puzzle he needed to figure it all out (the message is still unopened, sadly).
Rashford struggling with injury in 2021 (Via The Mirror)
But, it’s amazing to see what a healthy body, a new manager, and some newfound confidence (potentially inspired by my DM?) can do for a player, as Marcus Rashford has been absolutely rejuvenated this season. His current form is the best I’ve ever seen from him.
Now, of course, the narrative surrounding Marcus Rashford has shifted entirely. From the talking heads of network television to the twitter users of Mom’s basement, it seems everyone is singing his praises to the maximum once again (except Arsenal fans, who seem more concerned with how Bukayo Saka fits into all this). And I have to say, I’m really relishing the opportunity to join in and praise my favorite player at every opportunity.
But, while his redemption arc has been one of the sweetest I’ve ever experienced, a part of me does worry about what were to happen if his form was to dip again. Does he return to a player who is, “not good enough for Manchester United”? Will he be subject to the same abuse he was receiving just a few months ago? Unfortunately, the answer is probably yes. That’s just how it all seems to go in our social media-driven world. The past is quickly forgotten, and the now is all that has ever mattered.
Rashford back in form in 2022 (Via Sports Illustrated)
But, whether he scores 20 more goals this season or if he scores zero, I’m not sure my opinion on him will change much. In my mind, Marcus Rashford is Manchester United. He’s not just a homegrown player who’s only ever represented the Red Devils, he’s not just our #10, he’s not just the club's leading goalscorer among active players, he’s the face of this team. Who else would be?
So, whatever the future holds for Marcus, let’s try to put current form aside and view him for what he is: an outstanding footballer, and probably an even better human being.
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