Search
Close this search box.

How a young lad from Wythenshawe single handedly made a city United

Marcus Rashford forces government u-turn
Share
Tweet
Share
Chat

Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford has used his considerable influence to bring about a change in government policy.

The 22-year-old, who has three million twitter followers, wrote an emotional letter calling on MPs to reverse the government’s alarming decision to end free school meals for low-income families.

The story was widely shared on social media and led to the government announcing plans to pour £120m into a one-off ‘COVID summer food fund’. That was a good start but Rashford seeked more. 

In a shock u-turn yesterday, prime minister Boris Johnson announced the government will now fund the free school meal voucher scheme – for which nearly 1.3 million children are eligible – over the summer holidays.

https://twitter.com/ElunedAnderson/status/1272945626087636993

Reacting to the news on Twitter on Tuesday, the England striker said: “I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.”

He told Sky Sports News it was “a bit crazy” the campaign had worked and he was happy he will be able to make a difference to people’s lives.

“We have to make England what we want it to look like… My view on it is it’s a generational thing. Generations change and people improve as humans should.

“I feel like now this generation that we’re in, we’re not afraid to stand up and be counted for and it’s definitely a positive thing.”

Read more: If only more footballers were like Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s campaign was supported by the Labour Party and a number of prominent figures, including Gary Lineker and Piers Morgan.

The news made a city united, with even rivals Manchester City expressing their appreciation for Rashford’s work. 

The Blues tweeted from their official account saying: “Fantastic work @MarcusRashford, making Manchester proud.”

Following the government announcement, a banner reading ‘Rashford 1-0 Boris’ appeared on a street sign welcoming people to Wythenshawe where Rashford grew up in a low income single parent family.

He is now working on his next campaign.

Share
Tweet
Share
Chat

Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]

Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.

Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!

Support us

£
Support now wdgk loader image

Got a story worth sharing?

What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]

An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.

Search
Close this search box.