A newly unveiled mural in Withington serves as a tribute to Marcus Rashford, celebrating his significant contributions to combating child poverty. While Rashford is widely recognised for his exceptional footballing talent, it is his philanthropic efforts that have left a profound mark on the local community, particularly among the children who view him as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Emma Roberts, head teacher at Button Lane Primary School in Wythenshawe—where Rashford honed his early footballing skills—articulated the deep connection students feel with the athlete. She remarked that Rashford has become "an inspiration" for the children, who see his achievements as a reflection of their own potential. His commitment to the school, which includes funding a new football pitch and distributing Christmas gifts, further solidifies his status as a community ambassador.
Roberts elaborated, "Whenever they see him they feel like 'wow' - he belongs here, he belongs to them - and they can achieve just as highly as he can." She emphasised the importance of having influential figures who can drive positive change within the community, adding, "We're really proud of him, and I think Wythenshawe's really proud of him."
One student, Tilly, expressed her mixed feelings regarding Rashford's loan to Aston Villa, acknowledging her disappointment while also expressing gratitude for his contributions. In a conversation with BBC Radio Manchester, she highlighted the transformation of the school’s concrete pitch into an artificial surface, which has significantly enhanced their ability to play. "Now we have a pitch where we can actually play matches and stuff, and get better," she said, calling Rashford "inspiring." The 27-year-old has often referred to Button Lane as "the playground" where his dreams of a football career first took shape.
Rashford's influence extends well beyond Wythenshawe, resonating deeply with Manchester United supporters. Larry Harizanov, a devoted fan, suggested that Rashford's focus on social issues may have impacted his recent performances on the pitch. "I would say maybe he wanted to do more outside of the field, like in politics - and his massive campaign for lunches in school," he observed.
Local resident Lloyd Watson echoed this sentiment, describing Rashford as "a good lad, humble," and noting his role as a role model for young people in the area. "I think people look up to him," said Watson, 57, highlighting the prevalence of Rashford's shirts among local children.
According to reports from the BBC, Rashford's influence continues to inspire pride within his community, with many recognising the positive impact he has made on the lives of younger generations. His unwavering dedication to advocacy and social change has firmly established him as a role model, both on and off the football field.