5 Things you probably didn't know about Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is without a doubt, one of the most skilled young players in the world. A versatile forward, he is capable of playing in any forward position and is very effective in all those positions. However, he is primarily a center-forward and is as good as anybody, when asked to lead the line.

His electrifying pace, exquisite dribbles, eye for goal and excellent playmaking have seen him being labeled as "one for the future" and Manchester United's torchbearer. The Magical Boy is also good at taking direct free-kicks and often helps defensively. He is the complete package and guarantees excitement for the fans, when on the field.

He has managed eight goals and six assists in 20 Premier League games this season and most of them have come under new manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Because of his sensational form over the past 4 weeks, his status been taken to the next level by football lovers, and many have praised him as the mainstay for England and United in years to come by.

While Kylian Mbappe is the best young player in the world, the form that Rashford has shown in recent times, proves he isn't far off. While many would know his prodigious skills and goalscoring prowess, there are a few facts that not many may know about him.

#1 He could have played for Manchester City

Manchester United's key player, Marcus Rashford could have been a part of the blue side of Manchester but wasn't. While he was playing a junior team game for Fletcher Moss Rangers, scouts from many clubs were monitoring him. One of the teams was Manchester City and he initially started training with them.

However, United intervened and even Rashford and his family felt that he would be better suited to United. Rashford was a United fan since a young age and the family was of the opinion that his style of plat would suit United's more than City's. United fans would be thanking their stars that Rashford isn't a part of their bitter rivals.

His brother Dwaine Maynard stated that:

Marcus had a very individual style. He was skillful and good in one v one situations – we thought United would really get the best out of him.

#2 He liked cricket

Marcus Rashford's father, Robert Rashford was a good cricketer himself and dreamt that cricket would be his sport. However, Rashford's true love was football, and he has gone on to become a star in the beautiful game. His brother has stated that he was good at batting and bowling and that he still watches test matches.

His love for sports was evident from when he was a toddler. His parents say that, they could leave him in front of the TV and that he would go on watching football matches. This was at the age of 7 months and it shows that sports was there in his DNA. Hence, one should have no doubt when he says that he likes cricket and other sports.

He excelled at cricket as a batsman and bowler, and also showed an aptitude for tennis, table tennis and snooker. He had fantastic eye-hand co-ordination. To this day, he still watches the occasional test match on TV.

#3 Ronaldo fan

Marcus Rashford's idol as a kid was Brazilian legend, Ronaldo. The Brazilian was associated with tremendous pace, extraordinary skills and remarkable finishing. All these traits are visible to an extent even in Marcus Rashford and the both of them are also good at dribbling.

The 21-year old exhibits many characteristics that Ronaldo possessed and one would hope Rashford goes on to become as great as Ronaldo. In fact, both of them have spoken a lot about how much they admire each other.

Rashford has stated that:

He always played free. No matter where he was playing, he played free and went out there and expressed himself. When you do that, that's when you play your best football.

Ronaldo has also expressed his admiration for the youngster:

He’s a very good young player. I see some of myself in him for sure - he has courage and he’s fast and is very good with the ball.

#4 Rashford is from Saint Kitts and Nevis

Rashford's roots lie in the Caribbean country

Although Marcus Rashford has been born and brought up in England, he is actually of "Kittitian" descent. His roots lie in the small island country of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. It is the smallest country in the western hemisphere.

As would be expected from people in that part of the world, Rashford is someone who never gives up and is also gifted with extraordinary skills. He is also a fun-loving person, and his native country's population would have loved to see him represent their country, but it wasn't to be.

Marcus Rashford may have completely lost touch with his native country and might not be representing it but his countrymen would be feeling very proud of his achievements and would only hope for his betterment. He has most certainly put the tiny country on the world map.

#5 Born on Halloween

Raise your hand if you were born on Halloween!

31 October 1997, was the day when a young boy born in Wythenshawe, Manchester graced planet Earth for the first time. While the entire country was celebrating Halloween, the Rashfords were celebrating the arrival of a new member into their family. Melanie and Robert Rashfore were the proud parents. That boy was none other than Marcus Rashford.

Little would they have known, that this boy would go on to become one of the most talked about youngsters in the world. He became the youngest Rashford in the family after elder brothers, Dane Rashford and Dwaine Maynard. He is currently aged 21 and it is hard to believe he is still just 21, considering he has been on the scene for more than three years.

Manchester United fans will hope that as a player, he will celebrate all his birthdays at the Theatre of Dreams.