Marcus Rashford MBE receives Honorary Degree at Old Trafford ceremony

07 Oct 2021

England international footballer Marcus Rashford MBE received his honorary doctorate from our University at a special ceremony which took place at Old Trafford

The initial award announcement was made in July last year, but due to the pandemic, an official in-person ceremony and celebration has been unable to take place until now.

The prestigious award is for his ongoing charity work and well-publicised campaign against child poverty off the field, as well as his outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch.

The accolade is the highest honour our University can bestow and, at just 23 years old, Marcus is the youngest recipient of an honorary degree in our University's history.

He joins fellow Manchester United club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, who have also been honoured by the University in the past. Sir Alex Ferguson joined Marcus’s friends and family in attendance to see the England international receive his award from President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.

Marcus said: “To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.

“I’m here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty. Yesterday, millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to 1 in 3 children. For that reason, today is bittersweet.

“It’s time that representatives got out into communities like mine. It’s time they saw first-hand the true measure of struggle. COVID-19 can no longer be used as an excuse.”

On presenting Marcus with his honorary degree, Professor Rothwell said: “Marcus is an exceptional young man who continues to demonstrate a sense of community and generosity that goes well beyond his years.

“Our University also has social responsibility at its core, and we are extremely proud to share these values with Marcus. It really is an honour to finally present him with this well-deserved award on behalf of our institution."

After the ceremony, Marcus spoke exclusively to BBC Breakfast about his concerns for child poverty when the Universal Credit top-up ends: