Solskjaer hails Man Utd ‘role model’ Rashford for ‘changing kids’ lives’ with free school meals as stars arrive to train
OLE SOLSKJAER believes Marcus Rashford’s achievements off the pitch will always be more important than what he does on it. The Manchester United star has this week forced the government into a u-turn over free school meals over the summer for those children most in need. This is on top of helping to raise over […]
OLE SOLSKJAER believes Marcus Rashford’s achievements off the pitch will always be more important than what he does on it.
The Manchester United star has this week forced the government into a u-turn over free school meals over the summer for those children most in need.
This is on top of helping to raise over £20million with FairShare to provide food for the most in need during the lockdown period.
His manager could not be prouder of the 22-year-old Manchester born stars efforts.
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Solskjaer said: “What Marcus has done has been incredible.
“He has changed the lives of so many kids and this is something which is more important than any game of football he will ever play.
“I don’t believe Marcus has been thinking about this politically or in any other way than helping kids.
“Footballers can be easy targets at different times but this is about affecting people in a good way.
“If you can use your face to do something for the better why not.
“You are seeing how his position as a role model and one of the top players in the country at Manchester United can affect people in a good way.
“He is a good human being and wants to make change, it is not about him or anything bigger than that.
“I think it’s an honour to have Marcus. He’s taken from his own experience when he was a kid and knows how much it feels and means.
“We as a club are proud of him as a top footballer but also a fantastic human being, he is a future captain, leader, for Manchester United, England, who knows… we’re really proud of him and his family must be.
“As his manager as well it’s been fantastic to follow Marcus during the lockdown period. He got the Prime Minister to change his mind but also what he’s done over the last months.”
Football has also addressed the subject of racism during lockdown and on Wednesday night when Premier League football started again.
Players wore the slogan ‘Black Lives Matter’ on their shirts rather than their names for the two opening games.
They also took ‘the knee’ at kick-off in a symbol of solidarity.
Solskjaer said: “It has been on the agenda for many years of course but I feel now, this time, things are changing with the issue of racism.
“There have been a couple incidents in the league and the subject has been talked about but maybe then forgot about.
“This time hopefully it will affect more and more people and leaders of countries and decision makers.
“This lockdown has seen a change in people and made them think about larger issues and given them a different perspective.”
United’s season was curtailed in March on the end of an 11 game unbeaten run which saw nine clean sheets.
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They are within touching distance of the top four and are still in both the Europa League and FA Cup.
There first game after lockdown sees them travel to North London to face former United boss Jose Mourinho and his Tottenham side.
And Solskjaer said: “It’s a great game, a big game, against one of the best teams in the league.”