Marcus Rashford’s success story is no surprise, says Manchester United starlet’s former coach

Marcus Rashford has capped off a dream season by making Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad

In the aftermath of Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley last month, Marcus Rashford sent a photo from his phone to one of the coaches at his old junior football club.

Next to the picture of him and match winner Jesse Lingard, another product of Fletcher Moss Rangers, celebrating with the famous trophy, Rashford wrote: ‘Dreams do come true – we did it!’

The fairy tale continued on Tuesday when the 18-year-old striker was named in England’s final 23-man squad for Euro 2016 following his goalscoring debut against Australia and a remarkable breakthrough season at United that was rewarded with a new £25,000-a-week contract this week.

‘You couldn’t write the script,’ said Ron Jamieson, the club secretary and a coach at Fletcher Moss who was the recipient of the photo. Rashford played for the West Didsbury club from the age of six until he was nine.

‘He’s the boy in the street with the ball dreaming of playing in the cup final.

‘He’s had a bit of fortune and luck but no question he’s taken the bull by the horns.

The Manchester United youngster scored on his international debut against Australia

‘There’s no doubt the family have struggled over the years. His mum has maintained their education and ruled with a firm hand. But he’s destined for a great life now.

‘You couldn’t wish it on a nicer boy. He’s been to one or two of our players’ houses, taken a few bits and pieces, had a cup of tea and had some pictures taken.

‘Mostly he’s stayed at home and tried to lead a normal life, but it’s not been easy for him with all the interest.

‘I sent him a message telling him to enjoy every minute of it, and he wrote back to say thanks. Then I got the pictures of him and Jesse celebrating with the FA Cup after United won at Wembley.

‘It’s all happened for the lad. It’s a fairy tale for him and a great story for our club.’

Ironically, Rashford’s call-up for Euro 2016 means that he now won’t be able to attend his old club’s 30th anniversary presentation evening on July 10, although Fletcher Moss hope that some other ex-players – Danny Welbeck, Lingard or Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – may agree to step in.

Jamieson has no doubt that Rashford will handle the latest challenge of his career, even though he would have preferred the teenager to stay in the Under-21s for now.

Jesse Lingard, another product of Fletcher Moss, Louis van Gaal and Rashford celebrate with the FA Cup

‘I’m not surprised by it,’ he added. ‘Not in the way he’s been playing. The pressure of playing for Manchester United is far greater than England – 75,000 people week in, week out demanding that you win games. He’s one of their own on the pitch.

‘But a safer bet would have been playing for the Under-21s. Will he be given a chance at the Euros or is he a token, a feelgood factor? There are a few old horses in there. Will Wayne Rooney be thrown into the key positions? I’d like to see us give it a go.

‘But Marcus’s talent is unquestionable. We’ve not seen the best of him yet.’