Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SO PROUD OF YOU CUZ!
Stockport’s Maynard not shocked by cousin Rashford’s charity work: It’s great but it’s Marcus being Marcus
M A R CU S RAS H FO R D ’S formidable campaigning work has come as no surprise to his family.
The profile of the Manchester United striker has transcended football with his success in lobbying the Government to end child food poverty, which has earned him an MBE at just 23.
But on FA Cup weekend, it will be Rashford’s cousin, Stockport midfielder Lois Maynard, who will be in the spotlight when the non-league side chase an upset as they host Premier League West Ham on Monday night.
Maynard, 31, is close to Rashford and has seen first-hand his development from aspiring youngster into a superstar for club and country.
And he revealed the England striker has always had an awareness of issues beyond football and a desire to help the most vulnerable in society.
“Marcus has always seemed older than he actually is,” said Maynard.
“He’s always been the sort of person who’s interested in trying to make a change and now you’re starting to see the fruition of that.
“We’ve probably got closer as he’s got older.
“I used to go and watch his games when he was younger, with his older brothers, Dwaine and Dane. I’m interested in that kind of thing myself, trying to make a change in society.
“To see your younger cousin doing that, as well as being amazing on the field, ma ke s m e really proud . But i t ’s just
Marcus being himself.
“He doesn’t feel that playing at the highest level should change who you are
– now he understands he’s got the ability to affect many lives.
“A lot of people can relate to Marcus, which is what makes him such a likeable character, someone who’s authentic.”
Maynard, whose career has also taken in spells at Tranmere and Salford City, said he knew Rashford was destined for the top from an early age.
“Oh yeah! The first time I saw Marcus kick a ball, he was seven or eight,” said Maynard. “I thought ‘This guy’s got a chance’!”