Marcus Rashford announced himself to the world five years ago today.
Initially named as a substitute for Manchester United’s crucial Europa League last-32 second leg clash against Midtjylland, which they trailed 2-1, the then 18-year-old was thrusted into the starting XI due to an injury to Anthony Martial in the warm-up.
And Rashford took his chance in emphatic style by scoring a second-half brace as United won 5-1 to progress to the next round of the competition.
And the England forward celebrated both goals with academy teammate Dean Henderson, who was watching in the crowd.
Now, Rashford has 253 United appearances under his belt, while Henderson made his breakthrough into the first-team earlier this season.
Reflecting on his dream debut alongside Henderson, Rashford told the club’s official website: “You were in the crowd.
“The Academy get particular seats and they’d just moved you. They used to be high up, the tickets, but not long after I started training with the first-team the seats moved to the Family Stand.”
“I just knew that there were people there and as I was running I just saw you and you grabbed me! Great memories.
“That’s probably the bit I remember the most. I remember the goals and stuff and how they happened, but other than that I don’t really remember the game itself.
“I just remember certain moments.”
Recalling the celebrations himself, Henderson said: “Growing up with you for the last few years and seeing you come on to the pitch was just great.
“I had a huge amount of pride seeing you on there and when the ball fell to you and you hit it, I was just buzzing.
“And for the second goal you ran straight to the same place, it was fantastic.
“We spoke about it the next day and I was still buzzing and I wanted to know what it was like to play out there.”
Rashford and Henderson will be hoping to lead United to Europa League glory this season.
The Red Devils have all but booked their place in the last-16 as they hold a 4-0 first leg lead over tonight’s opponents Real Sociedad.