This weekend marks the year anniversary of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford’s debut for the club, a Europa League tie against Danish side Midtjylland, in which he bagged himself a brace to truly announce himself on the scene.

His emergence under Louis van Gaal, something the Dutchman will be largely remembered for at Old Trafford, came about due to unfortunate circumstances for the United fans, with their squad depleted through injury, however those lay-offs were eventually a blessing in disguise.

The Carrington graduate jumped straight into the limelight, picking up quite a knack for bagging goals on his debuts in different competitions, as well as the Manchester derby.

His fine form was rewarded with a surprise England call-up for friendlies ahead of the European Championships, where he continued to impress.

Finally the youngster was given the nod to travel to France with the England squad by Roy Hodgson and, whilst not featuring largely, was one of the only players to return from that campaign with his reputation unscathed.

However, where his career to that point had seemed a dream, the striker has been faced with some harsh realities under the guise of former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese arrived in Manchester over the summer, and immediately added to the firepower with the addition of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer, as well as bolster other attacking areas with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

There had, just weeks ago, been reports that Rashford was holding off on penning a contract extension at the club, due to his lack of first team game time. Whilst that is a fair concern, it seems the striker has realised the position he’s in a little, with those reports having cooled a lot.

Although his rise has slowed a lot since his breakthrough months, which was inevitable, he is in a better position than many up and coming strikers in world football, with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ibrahimovic and Mourinho to learn from.

The treatment of him in recent months, being left on the sidelines more often than not, will have hardened his character and will have him raring to go when he does get his chance. In the long term it will all pay off.

United fans may be desperate to see more of their star youngster than they have done this season, but given time, and understanding, he can still become all they had hoped for and more and he may judt deliver the goods for United in the EFL Cup Final today.