Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United star, leads a luxurious life now, residing in an expansive home in one of the city’s wealthiest areas. However, his current affluence starkly contrasts with his challenging past. Despite his mother’s diligent efforts, they often struggled to afford basic necessities like food.

Since joining both the United and England teams, Rashford has partnered with FareShare to deliver three million meals to children who otherwise would have received them at school. He has also supported initiatives to provide free meals to children, addressing a gap that the government has yet to fill.

Growing up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Rashford attended a primary school where the rate of students receiving free meals was double the national average. His mother, Mel, was a single parent of five, and despite working full-time, she couldn’t always make ends meet.

When asked in an interview about childhood experiences of hunger, Rashford acknowledged it but noted that he never resented his mother because he knew she was doing her best. He understood that such challenges were part of growing up and was always aware of how hard his mother worked. If there wasn’t enough food at home, he would sometimes get by with the help of friends.

In a BBC Breakfast interview, Rashford reflected on his past and emphasized the importance of supporting others in similar situations. He noted how challenging it is to break free from such circumstances and felt compelled to help those in need given his own experiences.

Recalling his early days, Rashford mentioned that his mother worked hard to get him into United’s youth academy a year earlier than usual, ensuring he could benefit from the club’s facilities and education. Rashford said this decision was crucial for his development, allowing him to be closer to his teammates and access the right nutrition as he grew.

Despite his success, Rashford remains grounded. According to his former youth club coach, he is humble and modest. The coach described him as a sweet, quiet individual who isn’t prone to arrogance, and his brother Dwain is known for keeping him in check.