Teammates, football clubs and sports stars of the past have united to commend Marcus Rashford’s successful campaign to extend the children’s food voucher scheme into the summer holidays.
The 22-year-old Manchester United forward’s open letter to MPs resulted in a Government U-turn on Tuesday.
In response, his club tweeted: “A hero. An inspiration. One of our own. We are so proud of you, @MarcusRashford.”
A hero. An inspiration. One of our own. We are so proud of you, @MarcusRashford ❤️ pic.twitter.com/haAb0m2I4u — Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 16, 2020
But local rivals also took to social media to praise the young Englishman’s work.
Manchester City tweeted: “Fantastic work @MarcusRashford, making Manchester proud.”
Fantastic work @MarcusRashford, making Manchester proud 👏 https://t.co/b3MfszHzxf — Manchester City (@ManCity) June 16, 2020
Down the M62, Liverpool also complimented Rashford, posting: “Children in our region will benefit because of the actions of this remarkable role model.
“From Liverpool With Love.”
Children in our region will benefit because of the actions of this remarkable role model ❤️ From Liverpool With Love. https://t.co/mSatwzZZ2E — Liverpool FC (at 🏠) (@LFC) June 16, 2020
Former England striker Gary Lineker praised Rashford for his “extraordinary campaign and win”, posting: “Great to see @ManUtd’s number 10 changing policy at number 10.”
Great to see @ManUtd’s number 10 changing policy at number 10. Extraordinary campaign and win for the brilliant @MarcusRashford — Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 16, 2020
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) described Rashford’s work as an “amazing achievement”.
The government is extending its free school meal voucher scheme, following a campaign by @MarcusRashford. An extra £120m to be spent on vouchers throughout the summer! An amazing achievement! Well done, Marcus #maketheUturn pic.twitter.com/YuDOlPNxwJ — Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) June 16, 2020
Rashford’s England team-mate Jadon Sancho, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, tweeted: “I stand by you all the way!
“Growing up in London a lot of the kids their parents struggled financially so having free school meals was a saviour! This one is close to my heart.”
I stand by you all the way! Growing up in London a lot of the kids their parents struggled financially so having free school meals was a saviour! This one is close to my heart ❤️ — Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) June 16, 2020
Rashford’s club captain Harry Maguire said his efforts were “top class”, while United midfielder Juan Mata added “we are very proud of you”.
Top class 👏👏 — Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) June 16, 2020 Well done @MarcusRashford, we are very proud of you 👏👏👏 https://t.co/OO5ltTCIU5 — Juan Mata García (@juanmata8) June 16, 2020
Former Arsenal star Ian Wright posted a series of clapping emojis to show his appreciation, while former United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar tweeted: “Well done @MarcusRashford making a difference off the pitch with providing free school meals and the government backing you also!”
Man like @MarcusRashford 👑♥️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 — Ian Wright (@IanWright0) June 16, 2020 Well done @MarcusRashford making a difference of the pitch with providing free schoolmeals and the government backing you also! Good luck with the restart on the pitch this weekend with @ManUtd. — Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) June 16, 2020
Tottenham’s official account posted: “Amazing work, @MarcusRashford. This will make a huge difference to so many young people across our communities.”
Amazing work, @MarcusRashford. 👏 This will make a huge difference to so many young people across our communities. https://t.co/YoF0R2H0kE — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 16, 2020
In Tuesday’s coronavirus press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had spoken to Rashford to “congratulate him” on his campaign, adding: “I thank him for what he’s done.”
