Marcus Rashford has urged Manchester United’s academy starlets to stay positive and ‘remember why they fell in love with football’ after their season was cut short because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a heartfelt message, the England international encouraged the youngsters to “get creative” with solo training sessions in their gardens as they look to follow in his footsteps and one day graduate into the Old Trafford first team.
The Premier League announced that on Friday that all remaining U23 games had been cancelled, with no decision yet taken on how the final standings will be determined.
United were sat second in Premier League 2 Division 2, three points behind leaders West Ham but with a game in hand. Under normal circumstances, the champions are promoted, while teams placed 2nd-5th play off for the other spot.
"The news you got yesterday was probably not what you wanted to hear," Rashford wrote on Twitter. "I know all you want to do is play because I'm the same but the decision has been made to protect everyone involved. This is bigger than football.
"You might be feeling a bit low but the best thing you can do is pick up your ball and get out in the garden.
"When I was in the academy I used to find a spot in the garden and aim for targets just so I could practice my accuracy, get creative!
"Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game, it's a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place. You've got this and we can't wait to see you all back next season."
