The year Marcus Rashford was born, an unknown 18-year old was taking the Premiership by storm. Michael Owen went on to top the goal scoring charts, was voted PFA Young Player of the Year and became the youngest England international at the time. It was déjà vu for English fans 18 years later as Rashford exploded onto the Premier League scene and ended the season as the youngest Englishman to score on international debut earning him a place in England's squad for European Championships in France. Perhaps, if he had been in the first team from the beginning of the season, he would have staked a claim in the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Marcus Rashford, from Wythenshawe in Manchester, was part of the famed Fletcher Moss Rangers, who also had Wes Brown and Ravel Morrison in their roster, and joined Manchester United's academy at the age of seven. The fact that he rejected arch-rivals Liverpool to sign has made him even more liked by the United faithful. Rashford was a part of the under-18s as late as September and captained the under-19 team in the UEFA Youth League. Little could the boy have known that things would end up like this.
On the fateful day (25th February 2016), Manchester United needed to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Danish side FC Midtjylland to progress in the Europa League. Rashford was forced to play through the middle after Anthony Martial hobbled away during warm-up and Wayne Rooney was sidelined with a long-term injury. On the hour mark, United were tied 1-1 and heading out of the continent's second competition. Out of nowhere came Rashford, like a prince charming out to rescue the girl of his dreams, pouncing on a Juan Mata pass and then a Varela cross to tilt the tie in United's favour. Old Trafford erupted seeing one of their own etch his name into Stretford End folklore.
Come Sunday and unbelievable as it may seem, the youngster followed his masterclass with a three minute brace past Petr Cech as United won 3-2. Rashford, unfazed by the limelight, skipped past Demichelis to score the winner in the Manchester derby and about a month later stepped over James Tomkins and smashed the ball into the top corner against West Ham in the FA Cup. Safe to say, he was a man for the big occasion.
Manchester United website describes Rashford as an exciting prospect with fine balance and a powerful shot who is more comfortable operating in the hole between midfield and attack. Warren Joyce, the Manchester United under 21s manager, isn't surprised with Rashford's rise to prominence. He considers Marcus to be a complete package and says nobody realises how good he is. Manchester United U18s coach at the time, Paul McGuinness also added that Marcus is not yet a finished article but has a strong foundation and could go a long way.
Ronaldo ˜El Phenomenon' comparing Rashford to his younger self saying that he has the same hunger to score, would have surely been the ultimate accolade.
Rashford ended the season with 8 goals in 18 appearances adding the FA Cup to his personal glory of the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award, given to the best academy player at Manchester United. Rashford's exploits prompted Manchester United to offer him a contract till 2020 which he signed.
Two minutes and eighteen seconds into his England debut at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, as Rashford drilled a low volley past Mat Ryan at the near post, the focus shifted onto a very proud lady. His mother, Mel, has been the greatest influence in his life.
After he was included in the English squad for Euro 2016, posts captioned ˜100 Days of Rashford' as a play on the movie title ˜500 Days of Summer' flooded the online football universe. Rashford was on his way to showcase his talent on the global stage as English fans began dreaming of a prodigy of their own. However, England's poor performance in the competition meant Rashford couldn't crown his fairytale season with another trophy. Perhaps, a little disappointment in an otherwise faultless season could shape his future as a person and a player.
As the new season rolls on, Marcus Rashford will hope to learn from new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and recent recruit Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The man who Eric Cantona said could be ˜The Prince of Manchester' has been scoring goals for fun in Italy, Spain and, more recently, France and could be an ideal mentor for young Rashford.
Manchester United fans around the globe will be eager to watch their little devil this season as they continue to chant