FIVE years ago today, a lad called Marcus Rashford burst on to the scene.
Rashford, then 18, was thrust into the spotlight in a Europa League last-32 second leg against Danish side Midtjylland by Louis van Gaal when Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up— and has never looked back.
The United XI that day
Marcus Rashford celebrates his second goal on his United debut against MidtjyllandCredit: AFP or licensors
United were embarrassingly 2-1 down from the first leg but Rashford scored twice in a 5-1 home win.
Solskjaer said: “I do remember a young little lad coming on, scoring two nice goals, then celebrating with his team-mates in the stand.
“I think he’s living proof of what we want to do at the club.
“When you sign for Man United, whether you’re five, six, ten, or 14, you have a chance to make dreams come true. And long may it continue, he’s got ten to 15 years left in him.
“He’s had an incredible, incredible impact — on and off the pitch.
“He’s matured, grown into a real proper young man. He really knows what it takes to be a Manchester United player.”
While Rashford has become a United hero, England star and all-round crusading national treasure feted by the world’s biggest companies, what has become of his team-mates from that night five years ago at Old Trafford?
NEW CUSTOMER OFFER: GET £20 IN FREE BETS WITH BETFAIR
Memphis Depay scored against Midtjylland, one of his few high points at Old TraffordCredit: PA:Press Association
In goal, Sergio Romero is in his own form of footballing purgatory – still at Old Trafford but not in United’s 25-man Premier League squad.
Uruguayan right-back Guillermo Varela has travelled the furthest since then, now plying his trade for Dinamo Moscow, on loan from Copenhagen.
Michael Carrick played at centre-half that day and is now on Solskjaer’s coaching staff. His partner, Daley Blind, is back at his first club, Ajax.
The other full-back, Joe Riley, made his first United start against Midtjylland but is now playing in League Two for a different United, Carlisle.
Rashford congratulated by his big mate Lingard – now on loan at West HamCredit: AFP or licensors
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
In midfield, Red Devils flop Morgan Schneiderlin is having a Nice time of it in the south of France, while midfield partner Ander Herrera is in the French capital with PSG.
Juan Mata is still at Old Trafford but has been reduced to the role of bit-part player and could be on his way out of the club.
The player who has possibly had the biggest transformation is Dutchman Memphis Depay. The Dutchman looked lost at United but is now the King of Lyon.
Rashford’s great mate Jesse Lingard also started against the Danes and a beautiful friendship began. The midfielder has struggled for the Red Devils but is now going at it Hammer and tongs on loan at West Ham.
The subs used were Marcos Rojo, now at Boca Juniors, defender Regan Poole who plays for Lincoln in League One and midfielder Andreas Pereira, on loan at Lazio from United.
So while his debut team-mates have proved to be a mixed bag, Rashford has certainly made his Marc.
Man Utd star Marcus Rashford stars in Lock In Nike advert
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
