Manchester United legend Brian McClair has revealed how Manchester City made numerous attempts to sign Marcus Rashford as a youngster.
The Mancunian striker joined United as a schoolboy and his potential was quickly noted, before going on to become a teen sensation and bona fide star for club and country.
However, it could have been while wearing the blue of City that Rashford made his name after they offered “financial incentives” to land his services before he turned professional.
McClair, who played almost 500 games for the Red Devils and won several titles before working in the academy set-up during Rashford’s early years, has revealed why the player’s mother, Melanie, rejected the move.
“City were trying to get him at 12, 14, 16, and offering a lot more financial incentives,” the 59-year-old told The Times.
“His mum, a brilliant woman, just wanted him to go to a better school.
“So we took him into the programme with a place at Ashton-on-Mersey School, sometimes in digs or at home. His mum could work in the bookies and all the other jobs she was doing and we were just doing our bit.”
Ashton-on-Mersey, located near United’s Carrington training ground, has hosted a number of academy players over the years including Jonny Evans, Gerard Pique and Ravel Morrison.
Rashford, 25, has spoken openly about the financial difficulties his family faced while growing up.
The forward is set to be part of the United team taking on neighbours City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
