Marcus Rashford acknowledges Manchester Utd legends after receiving honorary degree

Rashford received an honorary degree from the University of Manchester for his ongoing charity work and sporting achievements

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford paid tribute to United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton after the 23-year-old received his honorary degree in a special ceremony held at Old Trafford. Rashford received the degree, which is known as the highest honour to receive from the university of Manchester, for his ongoing charity work, fight against child poverty and sporting achievements at both club and international level. Taking to Instagram, Rashford said that it was "a proud occasion" as he posted of himself with Sir Alex alongside himself and his family. https://www.instagram.com/p/CUxGQLJsvE5/?utm_source=ig_embed Sharing a number of images to the site, the forward also took time to honour United's other two recipients of the awardsaying: "The greatest. So special to share this moment with Sir Alex and Sir Bobby who unfortunately couldn't be with us yesterday." Despite receiving the honour, Rashford also claimed it was a "bittersweet" occasion after news that the Universal Credit uplift would be retracted.

He said: "To be here in the presence of a great such as Sir Alex, and those who have played a huge role in my journey to be where I am today is special.

"I'm here to receive my Honorary Doctorate for my work around child poverty.

"Yesterday (Wednesday), millions of families across the UK lost a lifeline and a means of staying afloat. A move that could see child poverty rise to one in three children. For that reason, today is bittersweet."

Rashford will now continue his preparation to be fit in time for United's game against Leicester City on October 16 after recovering from injury. Related links:

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• Marcus Rashford calls for government to axe universal credit cut