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
Sport
Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
The Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Emily Sergeant -
30th May 2023 
