Marcus Rashford, now a prominent Manchester United player, enjoys a lavish lifestyle, complete with a grand estate in one of the city’s upscale neighborhoods. Yet, this affluence is a sharp contrast to his early struggles. Despite his mother’s tireless efforts, they often faced financial hardships, sometimes struggling to afford basic necessities like food.

Since making his mark with United and England, Rashford has teamed up with FareShare to provide three million meals to children who would otherwise have received them at school. He has also supported initiatives to offer free meals to kids, filling a gap that the government has yet to address.

Raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Rashford attended a primary school where the percentage of students receiving free meals was twice the national average. His mother, Mel, was a single parent of five, and even with a full-time job, she struggled to make ends meet.

When reflecting on his childhood hunger in an interview, Rashford acknowledged the experience but expressed no bitterness. He understood his mother’s limitations and recognized her relentless effort. He saw the challenges as part of growing up and would sometimes find relief by visiting friends’ homes.

In a BBC Breakfast interview, Rashford discussed how his own experiences with hardship motivated him to assist those in similar situations. He emphasized the difficulty of overcoming such challenges and felt a deep responsibility to help others given his own background.

Rashford recalled how, at the age of 11, his mother fought to get him into United’s youth academy a year ahead of schedule, recognizing the importance of proximity to the training facilities and a supportive school environment. This early move was pivotal in his development, allowing him to access proper nutrition and training.

Despite his success, Rashford remains remarkably grounded. His former youth club coach describes him as exceptionally modest and humble, contrasting sharply with more arrogant personalities. The coach notes that Rashford’s brother Dwain is known for keeping him level-headed, ensuring he remains down-to-earth.