Congrats to Man U’s Dr Rashford
Universit y to award En g land p la y er with honorar y de g ree for his charit y cam p aign
MANCHESTER United forward Marcus Rashford is set to become the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester for his campaign to help needy children, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.
Rashford earned widespread praise after the England forward successfully campaigned for school food vouchers to be provided over the summer holidays in Britain, revealing that he had relied on such support as a boy.
The 22-year-old will join club greats Alex Ferguson and Bobby Charlton in receiving the honorary doctorate, the highest honour the university bestows.
“It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling,” Rashford told United’s website.
“We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country, but receiving recognition from your city means we’re heading in the right direction… that means a lot.”
Rashford had also helped to raise about £20 million with charity Fareshare UK to supply meals to struggling families during the Covid-19 pandemic.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told reporters later that he was proud of Rashford, describing him as a “great person and human being”.
“He cares about others so much more than himself,” Solskjaer said.
Meanwhile, ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, the coach said United could be short on defensive options, with left backs Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams in a race against time to regain fitness.
Shaw twisted his ankle during the 2-2 draw against Southampton on Monday, while his replacement Williams suffered a head injury when he collided with Kyle Walker-Peters.
“Luke has got a swollen ankle, I’ll give him as much time as possible to recover, it was a twisted ankle. Brandon cut up his eye,” the United manager said.
Anthony Martial is in the midst of a purple patch, scoring five goals in seven games in all competitions since the season’s restart. Solskjaer was delighted with the France forward’s development.
“He’s definitely improving and enjoying his football, he’s stepped it up this season as an individual and more as a team player, and physically,” he said.
“I remember there were talks about our forwards last season being the least active and there were stats flying around, but Anthony is now working really hard for the team and he is a quality, quality finisher.”
Solskjaer said it was unfair that Chelsea had 48 hours more to prepare for tomorrow’s game. United faced Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Thursday while Chelsea head into the encounter having beat Norwich City on Tuesday.
“There is a concern that they’ve had 48 hours more rest and recovery than us. It’s not fair,” Solskjaer said.
“We spoke about fair scheduling going into this restart. I have to think about Thursday. We have to win that one and then let’s pick up the pieces after that.”
However, Solskjaer said his team were in good shape to deal with the upcoming schedule.
“The next two weeks will be hectic, but we’re very fit. Our lads haven’t felt as fit as this for years,” he added.