Sir Alex Ferguson has called for other footballers to follow in the footsteps of ‘fantastic’ Marcus Rashford.
The Manchester United forward successfully campaigned for free school meals for kids during school holidays.
Marcus Rashford has been at Manchester United since 2005 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
He has been awarded an MBE for leading a charge towards ending child hunger and poverty in the UK.
The 23-year-old has also helped to raise £20million for the anti-hunger charity FareShare.
And he has launched Book Club to give kids the bedtime stories that he never had a kid.
Sir Alex has been full of praise for Rashford – who he watched come up through the ranks at United.
During an interview with The Times, the legendary United manager called for other stars to use their profile ‘in a good way’ like Rashford has.
He said: “Footballers in Britain are certainly high profile. There’s no reason why they can’t use that profile in a good way.
“What Marcus has done is he’s led the way in a big way that, hopefully, people from the same position that Marcus is in today as a successful footballer can join in and support this great campaign of the moment.”
When asked what advice he would give Rashford, Sir Alex said: “I think he should be giving me some advice because what he’s doing at 23 years of age is fantastic for a young person.
“I’ve no need to tell Marcus because I think there’s humility in the way he lives his life, his feet are on the ground. These are great qualities.”
Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United Credit: PA:Press Association
Sir Alex has also vowed to double Times readers’ donations to a food charity.
As a result of his hard work off the pitch, Rashford is set to be honoured with a Special Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
But the 23-year-old will not be included in the shortlist for the main prize.
During the joint interview with The Times, Rashford revealed the struggles he experienced while growing up.
Rashford also helped FareShare distribute four million meals to vulnerable children (Picture: PA)
The footballer, who received school meals himself, helps out at a food bank
Rashford managed to push the Government into a series of U-turns over free school meals (Picture: PA)
Speaking about his mum, he said: “If it was tough for me and my brothers and my sisters I just can’t imagine the stress that was on her at the time.
“And honestly she did so well to hide it because she was always happy when we were at home.”
Speaking about his own upbringing, Sir Alex added: “My mother and father worked all their life in order for us to progress, my brother and I.
“My parents were fantastic because they taught me many things that have stayed with me all my life — don’t lie, don’t be late, work hard, respect your elders.
“People say: ‘Alex Ferguson’s done well despite coming from Govan.’ It’s because I came from Govan that I did well. You’re representing your mother and father all the time.”
