Marcus Rashford was a 'mini-superstar' of local youth team but didn't tell anyone he was on the books at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford was only 11 years old but already had become a ‘mini-superstar’ in Wythenshawe destined for Premier League acclaim.

The teenager has enjoyed a scintillating week, scoring four goals in his first two starts as a Manchester United player and smashing records in the process.

That prowess was evident years previous when Rashford - a quiet, unassuming character - began going along on his bike to the club’s Street Reds foundation programme, which he still visits today to catch up with old friends.

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford poses with the Premier League trophy as a youngster 

Rashford scores the second of his two goals against Arsenal to complete a memorable four days

Rashford celebrates after scoring on his United debut — the 18-year-old was originally named on the bench

Foundation coach Dave Chapman was one of the first to come across the striker, now 18, in south Manchester.

‘You could see from the beginning that there was something there,’ he said.

‘At this point, he was already involved with the Manchester United Academy but we weren’t aware; he never mentioned it, he just turned up to play.

‘You see players who play for clubs at the weekends and they turn up to evening sessions and just watch because they don’t want to get injured but Marcus was always fully involved.

Juan Mata has told the humble teenage star to 'stay calm', something Rashford has done since he was a kid

Rashford (centre, third from right) pictured as a six-year-old before going on to become a professional player

‘He wasn’t one for standing on the side and watching, the lure of the game was too much for him.

‘In the eyes of his fellow participants he became a mini-superstar. They all wanted him on their five-a-side teams and it caused a few arguments when they were all trying to pick him, but it didn’t affect him.’

Rashford has become an overnight sensation, now with the added burden of role model status. Yet he has always retained leadership qualities according to Chapman.

Street Reds promotes learning in a football environment, with the foundation helping kids work towards future qualifications. The scheme is designed for youngsters exactly like Rashford across the city.

‘There were a lot of kids who looked up to him at the session, especially at that age, when you’re coming to a football session and there’s someone who stands out and is as good as Marcus, it commands attention and he became a bit of a leader in the group,' Chapman added.

‘There was no pressure or expectation, he was just playing within himself, he was never a show-off, although he had the skills and little tricks he’d use within games which would make him stand out.

‘I think socially and for his personal development it was a great programme for him in terms of meeting new people and integrating within groups.' 

Marcus Rashford attends Manchester United Foundation project  www.mufoundation.org/streetreds