Marcus Rashford took home two major wins at Manchester United’s annual end of season awards ceremony last night.
After enjoying an impressive run of form, and having taken his career to new heights over the last nine months or so, the 25-year-old forward was named both ‘Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year’, and ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ at Manchester United‘s annual awards last night – which closed out a respectable 2022/23 season for the Red Devils.
His successful season saw Rashford top the United fans’ vote for the historic Sir Matt Busby Award, making him the the first Academy graduate to do so since 1998, as well as being named the most popular player among his teammates.
Rashford took to social media to speak of his “huge sense of pride” after pulling off the double win.
Alongside sharing a picture of himself with a huge beaming smile, Rashford said in a heartfelt thank you to the team and his fans on social media that it was an “incredible honour” to win both of the coveted awards, and that the support of everyone “means the world”.
“Thanks to the manager and all the staff for their phenomenal help all year,” he continued, “I couldn’t do it without you all.”
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He also looked ahead to the FA Cup final against cross-town rivals and current Premier League champions, Manchester City, this Saturday (3 June), and promised fans that the team has full focus on the game as they aim towards “one last push for silverware”.
“We’ll leave it all at Wembley for you,” he insisted.
Marcus Rashford grins with ‘huge sense of pride’ as he wins two Manchester United awards / Credit: Marcus Rashford (via Instagram)
Rashford also spoke in a follow-up post of the “huge sense of pride” he feels after making history for Academy graduates with his Player of the Year award.
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“It’s been a long time since an Academy player has won this award,” he acknowledged.
“I feel a huge sense of pride, and hope more Academy players can go onto win this award and feel how I’m feeling.”
Speaking of the success of his season on stage as he collected his two awards, Rashford said in his thank you speech: “The main reason why I came back into the season in the condition I was because that was probably my first summer where I was off.
“I was just hungry to get started with the new manager [and] new staff. In my mind I just had a positive feeling and based of this season, I wasn’t wrong, but I hope we can keep pushing and keep moving forward.
“I just want to say a big thanks to my teammates and the staff, because without them pushing you every day in training, you don’t get to see the best version of me.
“I appreciate all of you guys and thank you very much.”
Featured Image – Manchester United
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Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2023 
