Marcus Rashford became the youngest recipient of an honorary degree from the University of Manchester and has claimed it was ‘special’ to share the moment with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Manchester United star received the honorary doctorate during a special ceremony which took place at Old Trafford.
It has been presented to him for his ongoing charity work, his fight against child poverty and for his sporting achievements at the Red Devils.
Rashford shared a number of images to his Instagram page in which he paid tribute to Sir Alex, as well as United’s legendary player, Sir Bobby Charlton.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘The greatest. So special to share this moment with Sir Alex and Sir Bobby who unfortunately couldn’t be with us yesterday.’
Rashford joins both Manchester United legends who have also been honoured by the university in the past.
The university’s website says the accolade is the ‘highest honour’ they can bestow, and at 23-years-old Rashford is the youngest in their history to receive an honorary degree.
Rashford though said it felt ‘bittersweet’ to receive the honorary degree after the Universal Credit uplift was retracted.
When receiving the degree he said: ‘To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.
‘I’m here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty.
‘Yesterday (Wednesday), millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to one in three children. For that reason, today is bittersweet.’
As well as Sir Alex, his family as well as former academy coaches and team-mates were in attendance for the event.
Rashford wrote on Instagram: So important to me that I shared yesterday with those that were there from the beginning, my Academy coaches and teammates. Loved seeing you all there.’
There was no room for Rashford in England’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers this week as he makes his recovery from a shoulder operation he underwent after Euro 2020.
He returned to full training at Carrington last week and is hoped to return to the fold shortly after the international break.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
