Marcus Rashford’s mother reveals he has dealt with two tragedies that have ‘affected him a lot’

Rashford has been ‘affected greatly’.

Rashford has been criticised for his performances for Manchester United after failing to live up to the levels of last season, scoring just eight goals in all competitions.

But in a recent column for The Times Rashford’s mother, Melanie Maynard, has revealed the struggles her son has faced away from football.

After their close family friend Garfield Hayward died in 2022, Rashford’s cousin Nathan died one year later.

“Marcus lost a second very important person in his life: his cousin Nathan in November, after a very good family friend, Garf, had died a year earlier, which set him back a lot. It was a lot for someone so young to deal with,” Maynard wrote.

“Marcus is human, so he will have ups and downs in his life like everyone else. Marcus is in a very good place, he will never let anyone down.

“But you always need to be wary of people’s intentions around you — sometimes people around you can be wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing.”

Rashford paid tribute in goal celebrations.

Shortly after scoring his goal against Wales in the 2022 World Cup, Rashford dedicated his goal to Hayward and did the same following his goal in United’s 2-0 win against Everton.

He also scored in the dramatic 4-3 win against Liverpool, levelling the score to make it 3-3 in extra time before Amad Diallo scored the winner in stoppage time to set up an FA Cup semi final against Coventry City.

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