Kobbie Mainoo reveals brilliant Marcus Rashford story that inspired him to play for Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo has revealed a brilliant story about Marcus Rashford’s debut that inspired him to want to play for Manchester United in the future.

Marcus Rashford‘s first season at Manchester United during the 2015/16 campaign was a breakthrough year that showcased his immense potential as an explosive forward. Rashford made a sensational debut on February 25, 2016, in a Europa League knockout tie against FC Midtjylland, where he scored twice in a 5-1 victory.

Just three days later, he marked his Premier League debut against Arsenal with another two goals and an assist in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford. His immediate impact earned him significant attention and praise, quickly establishing him as a rising star within the game.

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Throughout the remainder of the season, Rashford’s performances remained consistently impressive. He scored several crucial goals, including the winner in the Manchester derby against City, and played a vital role in Manchester United’s FA Cup-winning campaign, scoring in the quarter-final replay against West Ham.

Rashford’s first season concluded with him having scored eight goals in 18 appearances, cementing his place in the first team and setting the stage for a promising career ahead. And now, eight years on, Kobbie Mainoo has had a similar first season at the club, becoming a bonafide star at Old Trafford after making his first start at the age of just 18.

Mainoo, who is currently on international duty with England during the 2024 European Championships, was asked if Rashford’s story inspired him when he was in the academy’s lower levels.

Yeah, yeah, 100 per cent. Because even when I was young, I used to watch his under-18s clips,” Mainoo told ITV.

“When I was young, when he made his debut against FC Midtjylland, I remember, because he wasn’t supposed to be starting, I remember me and my dad watching him and me pointing him out and saying, ‘oh, it’s Marcus Rashford’.

“And then to watch him, the way he burst onto the scene from there, and then against Arsenal, and then carried on throughout the season, to where he is now, is always an inspiring story.”

Mainoo was then asked if there was an element of ‘if you see it, you can be it’ while watching Rashford grow at United.

“Yeah,” was his response. “It gives you hope coming from the Academy, thinking that there is a pathway for us, you know?

“That’s a big thing with United, that they show they always trust the young players and always give chances.”

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