Rashford praised after government U-turn

Children from across England will now have access to free school meal vouchers throughout the six-week summer holidays, through the "Covid summer food fund", Downing Street said.

Rashford has been vocal in persuading the government into a U-turn on the matter, writing an open letter to MPs on Monday and citing his own experiences of growing up and not having enough to eat outside of term time.

I don’t even know what to say.
Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.

— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) June 16, 2020

After the government announced its decision, Marcus tweeted: 'I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020.'

He later added in another tweet, directed at MPs: "This was never about me or you, this was never about politics, this was a cry out for help from vulnerable parents all over the country and I simply provided a platform for their voices to be heard. I stand proud today knowing that we have listened, and we have done what is right.

"There is still a long way to go but I am thankful to you all that we have given these families just one less thing to worry about tonight. The wellbeing of our children should ALWAYS be a priority."

Rashford, who has raised the issue of food poverty throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, has been commended by figures throughout the world of football for his intervention.

Marcus's team-mate, and United's captain, Harry Maguire replied to Rashford's tweet saying "top class", while the Reds' Under-18 coach Neil Ryan said: "Well done Marcus! Making the whole country proud!"

Top class 👏👏

— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) June 16, 2020

United legend Paddy Crerand added: "I’m delighted for him, it’s great what he’s doing, absolutely fantastic, and I hope he gets the praise he deserves", while Alex Stepney and Paul McGrath also offered their support.

BBC pundit and former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: "Great to see @ManUtd’s number 10 changing policy at number 10. Extraordinary campaign and win for the brilliant @MarcusRashford."

As you can see from the collection of tweets below, a number of rival clubs also commented on social media, including Liverpool, who described Marcus as a 'remarkable role model', Manchester City and Friday's Premier League opponents Tottenham Hotspur.

The Manchester United Foundation has committed over £1million to a range of COVID-19 response efforts, including £100,000 of support for local food banks, over 600 food parcels delivered to local families and £300,000 for local partner schools to support vulnerable children.

Find out more at www.mufoundation.org.