Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RASHFORD’S READY TO ROC THE NATION
England star Marcus looks to go global by joining Rihanna and Shakira in Jay-Z’s celeb agency
MARCUS RASHFORD is holding talks over a multi-million tie-up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports management company.
The Manchester United striker and his advisors flew to Miami for Super Bowl LIV last weekend.
And they were royally entertained as VIP guests of Roc Sports – the athletic management division of Jay-Z’s famous Roc Nation entertainment agency that represents music superstars like Rihanna, Shakira and DJ Khaled.
And after Rashford returned to Manchester to continue his rehabilitation it is believed formal talks have now started to join Jay-Z’s stable of music and sports stars.
Rashford is currently on the long-term injury list with a stress fracture of his back that might keep him out of action for up to three months.
But he was given permission by United to fly to the States for Super Bowl and spend time with rap star and producer Jay-Z as well as meeting rapper Meek Mill, actor Kevin Hart and several American NFL and NBA stars on the Roc Sports roster.
The United striker is also believed to have spoken with Juan Perez, president of Roc Sport, during the trip, travelling in a party that included his brothers Dane Rashford and Dwaine Maynard, who also acts as his agent.
An onlooker said:
“Rashford looked the part and fitted in perfectly. He went to some private nightclubs away from the glare of the normal publicity that would follow him at home and he was enjoying himself.
“Roc Nation seemed to be looking after him well, opening doors and getting into places only the real VIPs get into.”
Jay-Z’s agency is hugely influential and is believed to see Rashford as an ideal client.
The 22-year-old striker – who has already played 200 games for United and scored 64 goals – has emerged as the new main superstar at Old Trafford. And Roc Nation Sports, who have a London operation as well as offices in New York, LA and Nashville, are keen to manage the direction of his career with commercial endorsements to globalise his brand.
Former United teammate Romelu Lukaku, who made the switch to Inter Milan, joined Roc Nation Sports in 2018.
And it’s understood Old Trafford defender Eric Bailly is also on their books along with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne and Chelsea’s Reece James.
Rashford, however, would be a prize capture for the talent agency. And, if he signs up, senior United officials will be closely watching whether he maintains his focus.
Pals Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard have both been criticised for off-field lifestyle choices.
However, a senior United source at the Carrington training HQ, said last night: “There wouldn’t be too many concerns over Marcus.
“He’s a grounded guy who knows that football is the gateway to all the success.
“There have been issues with Pogba and Lingard but Marcus is a hugely driven individual and his commitment to United has never wavered.”