Did you know about Marcus Rashford this time last year? It seems unlikely.
Back then, the Manchester United striker was months away from a professional debut.
In fact, he was so low-profile that not a single person wished him happy birthday on Twitter. And we all know how big an indicator of popularity that is. No, *you’re* reaching.
Of course we all know what happened next. One of the fastest footballing ascensions later, Rashford is among the hottest talents in the Premier League and people are comparing him to an all-time great.
https://twitter.com/UtdRantcast/status/793029470827450368
https://twitter.com/EIFantasmita/status/780207321158918144
RT for Rashford
FAV for Van Basten pic.twitter.com/JZ5JO8UdaU— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) September 21, 2016
Twelve months ago, on his last birthday, it was a slightly different story, as most of the Rashford chat was about an injury he suffered playing for Manchester United’s youth team.
@DoronSalomon any news on Marcus rashford injury?
— Michael Pierce (@mikep1958) October 31, 2015
And talk of a first-team call-up was already beginning, albeit relatively quietly at first.
@TotallyMUFC He'd better try Gribbin, Fosu-Mensah, Rashford, or Angel Gomes instead of Rooney & Fella.
— ً (@19Rifqi) October 28, 2015
And even in September 2015, Rashford was showing signs of what would follow, producing this sensational strike in an Under-18s victory over Wolves.
Marcus Rashford hit a great effort in #mufc U18s' 3-0 win v Wolves. See all the goals: http://t.co/Cla3NYm0mk https://t.co/SDkSbdWwU5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2015
That’s right, he was still turning out for the Under-18s just a month before his last birthday. His fellow goalscorers on that day, Callum Gribbin and Jake Kenyon, are both talented players, but neither have so much as played for the first team, let alone scored.
Neither of the two turn 18 for a few months yet, however, so there’s plenty of time for them to make their respective marks.
You can catch up on the latest episode of JOE’s Football Friday Live right here…
