MARCUS RASHFORD got a little inspiration for last weekend’s Manchester derby – by popping along to cheer on Bacup Borough.
The Red Devils and England striker turned up to lend his support to pals and even paid for the privilege.
Handing over £5 at the gate, he watched his childhood friends Kyle Hendley and Ashley Leather in action – but he couldn’t spark his buddies into life as Bacup went down 4-1 to Charnock Richard in the North West Counties League.
Rashford, who scored three times the night before as England U21 crushed Norway 6-1, posed for selfies with supporters before and after the game.
United of course know all about long-serving managers and Bacup boast one of their own. Boss Brent Peters has been in charge since 1997 and he was impressed by the 18-year-old’s commitment to the grass-roots game.
“Credit to him,” Peters said. “He was signing autographs and showed football in the tenth tier really matters – it’s not all about the Premier League.
“It’s not often the kids at Bacup get a real superstar visiting and it was great to have him – especially as I am a big Manchester United fan!
“He paid to get in, there was no fanfare – it’s a shame we couldn’t show him what we’re really made of with a win but it was great to have him there.”
That was echoed by the club’s twitter account and the club posted: “Bacup players failed to turn up last night but @MarcusRashford certainly did to create a great buzz around the ground. Kids loved it #topguy”
