BURNHAM: CHANGE SPOTY RULES SO RASHFORD CAN WIN

LEADING politicians have urged the BBC to break with protocol and allow Marcus Rashford to win Sports Personality of the Year. Sportsmail revealed yesterday that free school meals campaigner Rashford was set to miss out on the shortlist for the main BBC award because criteria state it must reflect ‘sporting achievements’. But Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, is throwing his weight behind the striker. ‘Marcus is the first sportsperson of recent times to use the full power of his personality and experience for the benefit of others,’ Burnham told Sportsmail. ‘He has put young people who grow up feeling forgotten at the centre of the nation’s attention and given millions hope. I know Greater Manchester will put footballing differences aside and unite behind this campaign to make him SPOTY 2020.’ Labour MP Graham Stringer, who represents the inner-city Manchester constituency of Blackley and Broughton, said: ‘As a United fan, I’m delighted to say he should be considered for Sports Personality of the Year. For a man so talented and so dedicated, he has a huge streak of humility as well.’ Rashford received an MBE in recognition of his charitable work last month. But Tracey Rawlins, a Labour councillor who works at a Wythenshawe food bank, added: ‘Sports Personality of the Year is an award that resonates with the public more than the honours system. It’s a people’s award.’ Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend said: ‘Sports Personality for me is not only on-field achievements but also what you do off-field, and nobody has done more for this country than Marcus Rashford since lockdown.’

Lewis Hamilton, who last weekend broke Michael Schumacher’s record for most Formula One race wins, has replaced Rashford as the bookies’ favourite to win SPOTY following Sportsmail’s story. Meanwhile, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faced more questions over Donny van de Beek’s absence from the line-up after United’s new £40million signing spent Saturday’s draw with Chelsea on the bench. Van de Beek has yet to start a Premier League or Champions League game since arriving from Ajax, but Solskjaer insists the 23-year-old will be key. ‘I’d be disappointed if some of my teammates said I wasn’t important at United, but I didn’t start many games,’ said the manager. ‘So Donny is going to be very important for us, don’t worry.’