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    Marcus Rashford launches food bank task force to try and end UK child poverty as Man Utd star continues charity work

    MARCUS RASHFORD is continuing his fight to ensure no child goes hungry by joining forces with supermarkets and food delivery companies.
    The Manchester United and England striker was successful in campaigning for free school meal vouchers to be provided to pupils over the summer period.

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    Marcus Rashford has joined forces with a host of food outlets in the fight against child poverty

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    The Manchester United moment enjoyed a kickaround with some children
    He had spoken about his own experience of using a food voucher scheme as a child and was praised after pressing the Government into making a U-turn on the issue.
    Speaking to BBC Breakfast, the 22-year-old said he knew the free school meal vouchers over the summer would not be the end of his fight.
    He added: “I think we pretty much knew straight away we had found a short-term solution but that wasn’t going to work in the long run.
    “We had to think about how’s the best way to do it so these families can eat long term and not have any issues.”

    Rashford has now teamed up with the food industry to shed light on the issue of child food poverty in the UK.
    Along with Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Deliveroo, FareShare, Food Foundation, Iceland, Kellogg’s, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose, he has formed the ‘Child Food Poverty Task Force’.
    Rashford said on Twitter that he was “humbled to stand side by side” with them all.
    Over the next six weeks, the task force members will dedicate their platforms to sharing stories of those most affected by child food insecurity in the UK.

    Rashford said the task force is endorsing three national food strategy policy recommendations.

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    Marcus Rashford is making a name for himself on, and off the pitchCredit: PA:Press Association

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    Marcus Rashford has been praised for his charity work

    In a letter to MPs, Rashford said the objective is to “see sufficient funds from the Chancellor’s Budget and Spending Review allocated to implementing these without delay”.
    The first one is the expansion of free school meals to every child from a household on Universal Credit or equivalent, reaching an additional 1.5million 7-16-year-olds.
    The second one is the expansion of holiday provision (food and activities) to support all children on free school meals, reaching an additional 1.1million children.
    And the third one is increasing the value of the Healthy Start vouchers to £4.25 per week, currently at £3.10, and expanding into all those on Universal Credit or equivalent, reaching an additional 290,000 pregnant women and children under the age of four.

    In his letter, Rashford wrote: “When we pause, listen and reflect on what the future of our next generation could potentially look like, it’s easy to see that if we don’t take action quickly, the issue of child food poverty will have devastating effects on the stability of our country.
    “These children are the future – our next generation of NHS workers, police officers, footballers and politicians.”
    Rashford recalls his own experience, writing: “I remember the sound of my mum crying herself to sleep to this day, having worked a 14-hour shift, unsure how she was going to make ends meet.”
    He said he has sat with parents who have “cried with sheer relief that putting food on their children’s plates was one less thing to worry about this summer”.

    You should feel free if you want to ask for help for anything. Hold your head up high and if you need help go and get help
    Marcus RashfordManchester United footballer

    He told MPs: “I spoke to a mother recently who, along with her two young sons, is currently living off three slices of bread a day – soaking them in hot water and adding sugar, hoping that the porridge consistency might better sustain the hunger of her one-year-old child.
    “I spoke to a family who were sleeping on one mattress on the floor – the reason being, just like any good parent would, they had had no choice but to sell every valuable they owned to put food on the table for their children.
    “All of this, a result of unforeseen circumstances that are entirely out of their control, such as redundancy and illness.
    “This is the true reality of England in 2020.”
    Rashford stressed the importance of changing attitudes towards asking for help.

    What an impressive and inspirational man @MarcusRashford is. Wonderful to see a young footballer use his platform so positively to make a real difference to the lives of so many. Well played. 👏🏻👏🏻
    — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 1, 2020

    He told BBC Breakfast: “I feel like at times people think they are being looked down on if they ask for help.
    “You should feel free if you want to ask for help for anything. Hold your head up high and if you need help go and get help.”
    Rashford said he had enjoyed meeting families who have benefitted from the children food voucher scheme.
    He added: “Just to see the smiles on their faces and to see how much it’s helped them, you know, made me happy.
    “It was good to see the parents laughing and smiling.”
    Rashford, alongside the words “If ever there was a question of why… #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY”, later added another video on Twitter of a teacher recalling a 12-year-old pupil falling asleep in lessons because she was using her free school meal allowance to feed her younger siblings.
    Former England captain Gary Lineker was quick to praise Rashford for his latest mission.
    The Match of the Day host posted on Twitter: “What an impressive and inspirational man @MarcusRashford is. Wonderful to see a young footballer use his platform so positively to make a real difference to the lives of so many. Well played.”

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    The amazing rise of Harry Maguire, from being England’s World Cup hero to Man Utd captain and dating a beautiful Wag

    HARRY MAGUIRE has come a long way since dreaming of football stardom in Yorkshire.
    The Sheffield-born star has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the game – which culminated in his record-breaking move to Manchester United last summer, and becoming Red Devils captain.

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    Harry Maguire has enjoyed a meteoric rise Credit: EPA

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    Maguire, on holiday in Mykonos with Fern Hawkins, was arrested on the Greek Island following a brawlCredit: Instagram / @_fernhawkins
    Maguire, 27, is still the world’s most expensive defender following an £80million move from Leicester City, after his World Cup heroics with England.
    But he’s got himself in bother in Mykonos on holiday with his beautiful Wag, Fern Hawkins.
    The 6ft 4in centre half was arrested after am alleged bust-up with cops on the Greek Island.
    THE MAKING OF THE MAN
    Maguire fulfilled a childhood dream by playing for Sheffield United between 2011-14, where he came through their youth system.

    In his first full season, he helped the Blades into the playoffs as they attempted to gain promotion from League One.
    He was named both their Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year during a remarkable nine month spell.
    It was inevitable a move to a bigger club was on the cards, and in 2014 Steve Bruce made Maguire a Premier League player snapping him up for Hull City £2.5million.
    Despite the East Yorkshire club’s relegation, Leicester City were convinced that Maguire had quality to succeed at the top-level and splashed £17million on him.

    His commitment to the Foxes’ cause – he played every game of the 2017-18 campaign – earned him the Players’ Player of the Season, as well as Fans’ Player of the Year in his first season.

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    As a teenager, Maguire starred for boyhood club Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Leicester City paid £17m for Maguire’s services in 2017Credit: Reuters
    And he became an England international, making his debut for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions in a 1-0 win away at Lithuania in the last group game of the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.
    THE WORLD STAGE
    When Maguire was named in Southgate’s squad for the World Cup in Russia, it’s fair to say he wasn’t a household name on the global stage.
    But when the tournament was over, he was the best centre half on show.
    He became England’s hero – first assisting Harry Kane’s winner against Tunisia in the opening game.
    Then, ‘Slabhead’, as he affectionately became nicknamed because of his large forehead, got his bonce on an Ashley Young cross to set England on their way to a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-final.
    His play was lauded. Not only was he a man who could defend bravely and put his body on the line.
    Maguire was also an assured reader of the game and comfortable bringing the ball out of defence and kick-starting England’s attacks from the back.
    After England’s semi-final exit, Maguire returned back home a hero.
    It was a matter of time before the big clubs came calling.

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    Maguire heads in England’s opener during the 2-0 win over Sweden at the 2018 World CupCredit: Reuters

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    Maguire’s heroics at the 2018 World Cup put him on the mapCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    RED DEVIL
    Every player has their price.
    But Maguire could never have imagined how desperately Manchester United wanted him to be the linchpin of their side.
    In what was one of the longest running transfer sagas of the summer of 2019, he finally became a United player with record-breaking transfer fee for a defender.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer parted with an astonishing £80million to make Maguire their man – eclipsing the £75million rivals Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk.
    “When Manchester United come knocking on your door, it is an incredible opportunity,” Maguire revealed.
    Five months into his six-year deal Solskjaer officially made him his captain – replacing the departing Ashley Young, who he had deputised for.
    “He’s come in and been a leader in the group,” the Norwegian boss said.
    “I’ve been, not surprised, but I’ve been impressed by his leadership skills, so Harry will keep on wearing the armband.”

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    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Maguire the most expensive defender ever when he signed himCredit: Getty

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    Maguire has since become Manchester United captain because of his leadership qualitiesCredit: AP:Associated Press
    GENEROUS LEADER
    While the world was in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, Maguire knew he had to step up to the plate.
    He led as a captain.
    Maguire asked his fellow professionals to dig deep into their pockets and donate 30 per cent of their hefty wages to charity.
    The Players Together fund was created, generating an incredible £4million to the NHS.
    The donations were handed over to NHS staff, volunteers and coronavirus patients to tackle the UK’s worst national health crisis in a generation.
    That act of kindness led to players around the world taking note and doing their bit.
    He had done as a leader should.

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    Maguire created the Players Together fund to aid the NHSCredit: EPA
    BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN…
    Gorgeous Fern Hawkins has been by Maguire’s side during his epic rise.
    Like Harry she’s from Sheffield, and they met in 2011 – before he became a global superstar.

    In 2018, romantic Maguire whisked Fern to Paris where he got down on one knee and proposed.
    Later that year she was seen at the World Cup flashing a sparkling diamond ring, while supporting her beau in an England shirt cheering the Three Lions on from the stands.
    The pair, who have two daughters – Lillie and Piper – were seen enjoying their holiday in Mykonos before his arrest.

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    Fern Hawkins has been by Maguire’s side during his epic rise

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    Gorgeous Hawkins hails from Sheffield like MaguireCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

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    Hawkins and Maguire met in 2011Credit: Refer to Caption

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    In 2018 Maguire popped the questionCredit: Instagram @_fernhawkins

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    Hawkins and Maguire have two children togetherCredit: Instagram

    Footage of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire smiling with fans in a bar day before arrest in Mykonos More

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    Man Utd new boy Marc Jurado holds record for fastest ever youth goal scored for Barcelona at just FIVE seconds

    HE’S no slouch, that’s for sure.
    Manchester United are on the verge of announcing the exciting signing of Marc Jurado, 16, from Barcelona in a deal reported to be worth £1.5million.

    Man Utd have announced the signing of wonderkid Marc Jurado from BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association

    Jurado famously scored the fastest ever goal at youth levelCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jurado confirmed the move on Instagram, and is believed to be waiting for international clearance before United announce the deal themselves.
    The Catalans will be sad to see him go, after it was said they offered the galloping right back a three-year contract, which he snubbed.
    And Red Devils fans will be licking their lips at this clip of the incredible talent scoring the fastest recorded youth goal ever – just five seconds after kick off!
    Meet the talent that could become a star at Old Trafford.

    QUICK OFF THE MARK
    Back in 2013, in a game against Viladecans, Jurado made a statement for Barcelona’s U10 side.
    From kick off, the electric defender was switched on to intercept a pass, before racing past two players and cooly slotting the ball past the keeper.
    Not only did it get people talking about him, the strike earned him a place in the record books.
    Jurado’s goal was the fastest ever recorded at youth level – an impressive five seconds.

    After just five seconds from kick off Jurado scored in an U10 game for BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association
    WHO IS HE?
    Jurado was born in Sabadell, some 18 miles from Barcelona, in Catalunya.
    He showed promise playing for his local team, CFU Can Rull before he joined La Masia at the tender age of seven.
    Jurado was considered an important part of Barcelona’s future, and after tying down Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moriba to long-term contracts their hierarchy were hopeful Jurado would follow suit.
    But, it is believed that he feels he would have a better chance of first team football playing for United.

    Jurado had been with Barcelona since he was sevenCredit: PA:Press Association
    WHAT KIND OF PLAYER IS HE?
    A modern full-back in the Spanish mould of Bellerin, Jurado does his best work going forward.
    Blessed with bags of pace, he constantly looks to overlap and provide an attacking threat on the right-hand side.
    He was one of the best players in Barcelona’s Cadet A team this season, and it was expected that he was going to promoted to their Juvenil B side.
    HE’S GOT COMPETITION
    As good as Jurado is, he can’t expect to walk straight into United’s team anytime soon.

    Blessed with pace, Jurado is renowned for his galloping runs on the rightCredit: PA:Press Association

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 22, has made the right back position his own since arriving from Crystal Palace in a £50million deal, and will take some shifting.
    However, Jurado will offer the England defender the healthy competition for places that every good side needs.
    And in a few years, we might just see a United team dominating again – like they did in the 90s and noughties.

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    Man Utd set new Premier League record for most penalties awarded in a season with 14 after beating Palace’s 2005 tally

    PENALTY, ref!
    On Sunday, Manchester United were incredibly awarded their 14th spot kick off their Premier League campaign in their crunch match against Leicester City.

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    Bruno Fernandes fires home Man Utd’s 14 Premier League penalty of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes cooly slotted the ball home after former Red Devil Jonny Evans and Foxes veteran Wes Morgan slid in to tackle Anthony Martial racing through on goal.
    The goal set United up for a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium and clinched a lucrative Champions League place for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
    But it was the award of that 14th penalty that broke a record.
    This 2019-20 Manchester United team has been awarded the most penalties by a single team in a Premier League season.

    They beat a record set by Crystal Palace in 2004-05 and Leicester City during their Premier League-winning campaign of 2015-16, who had both won 13 penalties apiece.
    And the next five times after that are all joint on 12 penalties awarded during one calendar year.
    In 2009-10, Carlo Ancelotti led Chelsea to the Premier League and a FA Cup double.
    And the Blues were awarded a dozen penalties in the league.

    2013-14 Liverpool were agonisingly close to a title win under Brendan Rodgers, just falling short at the final hurdle.

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    Liverpool were awarded 12 penalties during a season when Brendan Rodgers was bossCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
    They too were awarded 12 penalties during that season.
    Arsene Wenger’s 2006-07 Arsenal, with attacking players including Thierry Henry, Robin van Persie, and Cesc Fabregas also make the list.

    On their way to their only Premier League title in 1994-95, Blackburn Rovers were given 12 penalties too during the season.
    Record breakers United feature again, this time in 2018-19, when they were managed by Jose Mourinho (until his sacking) and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
    Incredibly, in all competitions this season Manchester United have been awarded a total of 20 penalties.

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    Man Utd teenager Teden Mengi is rapid defender and star in the making who has been fast-tracked into first-team squad

    THERE’S a buzz around Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, and that’s not just because the club look like they’re heading in the right direction. A steady crop of exciting youngsters are beginning to take centre stage under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as the Norwegian promised in his mandate when he first took the job. Teden Mengi, […] More

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    Man Utd joined by City in £70m transfer race for Kai Havertz with Bayer Leverkusen striker high on shopping list

    MANCHESTER CITY have joined the £70m transfer race for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz. The 20-year-old German has been one of the best players in Europe this season, scoring 12 goals already including two on Monday against Werder Bremen. Manchester City have joined the long list of clubs eyeing Kai HavertzCredit: Getty The attacking midfielder […] More

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    Jude Bellingham still unsure over Man Utd transfer but Sir Alex Ferguson involvement could swing deal for prodigy

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been unable to force through their £30million move for Birmingham City starlet Jude Bellingham – despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s intervention. The t’s have not been crossed or the i’s dotted – which has given three other clubs chasing the midfielder hope they can get him. Jude Bellingham is still weighing up a […] More

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    Man Utd ‘contact’ RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate over transfer despite him being injured for most of season

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in talks with the agent of RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate about a summer switch, it’s claimed. The player’s representative reportedly approached Old Trafford chiefs about his availability – despite him being sidelined for much of the season with a leg injury. Ibrahima Konate’s agent has reportedly contacted Manchester United about a […] More