We went to take some photos for a very sweet story a few weeks back. Footballers get a lot of stick but, credit to Marcus Rashford, he’s only 20 years old and he copes very well with the public role and the attention it brings.

Here’s the copy from the Guide Dogs Association:

“England sensation Marcus Rashford delighted 15-year-old football fanatic Rainbow Mbuangi and his buddy dog, Drake, when they visited Manchester United’s Carrington training ground.

The pair discussed their shared love of the beautiful game during their meeting, which was organised for Guide Dogs’ new #MeetAHero campaign. Through #MeetAHero, we want to show the world how our services empower people with sight loss, like Rainbow, to live their lives to the full.

Training

In Rainbow’s case, he loves his weekly training sessions at Merseyside Blind Football Club. Born with no useable sight, Rainbow has been kicking a ball about since he could walk, and with our support he developed the confidence to pursue his football dreams. He recently scored the winning goal for his team at a tournament in Belgium, and his ultimate ambition is to play for England’s national Blind Football team.

Despite now living in Liverpool, when it comes to football he is Manchester United all the way. His room is described as a shrine to the Red Devils and his ultimate footballing hero is forward Marcus Rashford.

Lingard

But Marcus wasn’t the only star who paid Rainbow a visit – he was thrilled when fellow Man U midfielder Jesse Lingard also popped by to say hello. The two England stars signed Rainbow’s football, gifted him a new shirt and even asked if they could attend his next game.

The trio were also joined by Rainbow’s buddy dog Drake, who has been with Rainbow since 2014. Having Drake by his side increases Rainbow’s independence and confidence ensuring he doesn’t miss out on doing the things he loves. Rainbow also receives support from our children and young people’s specialists, which enables him to do everyday things with his family and friends.

Rainbow said: “I’ve grown up with Man United posters on my walls ever since I was little and having the chance to meet Marcus was a dream come true. He’s inspired me to push myself and one day I hope to be just like him – playing for my country in the official England Blind Football team.”

Marcus said: “It’s an honour to be thought of as a hero but I think Rainbow’s the real hero here. From what I hear he is quite the talent on the pitch and it’s clear that nothing will get in the way of him pursuing his dream. I look forward to seeing him play for the England Blind Football team in the future.”

Speaking about the moment Rainbow learned he was to meet Marcus, Rainbow’s nan, Lyn Outram, said: “Rainbow was so excited when he heard that he was going to meet his hero, Marcus Rashford. We had to go straight out to buy the latest Manchester United kit for Rainbow to wear!

Lyn added: “The support we’ve had from Guide Dogs has been great and the improvement to Rainbow’s ability to get around has been incredible.”

We are very grateful to Marcus, Jesse and everyone at Manchester United who made Rainbow’s dream to meet his footballing hero come true.”

You can view the film of their meeting here

and the full story here…and here

Manchester United training ground photographers.

See more of our work here.

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#manchester united

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