Rashford seems a man reborn, there is a steel to his gaze and a determination that emanates from him. He is at ease as I speak with him at his home, dressed in Manchester Untied training gear and lounging back after offering me coffee. 'Sorry, we only have instant' he says with a half smirk. You can take the boy out of Fallowfield...
'Has it been tough, of course, but I have never forgotten my roots. I will never forget how difficult it was, how hard I had to work, to get here. I have seen a lot of managers come and go, but I feel all of them have added to my game and I can contribute. I am the first to admit there have been distractions this season, maybe more so than others, and I have struggled with illness as well.'
I ask what his goals are, what his plans are for 2025. Any New Year's resolutions? He laughs, looking out the window and seems pensieve.
'I take it one day at a time. I want to play every week and score goals for United. I have never wanted anything else.'
So the rumours of moves to prestigious clubs like AC Milan were just rumours?
'I just want to focus on my football here. Ruben has told me if I work hard, there is a place for me and I have never not worked hard.'
And what about all the external noise, the food banks, fashion line, are these things a distraction.
'I just want to play football but I will keep pushing the social impact stuff, the food banks and the book club.'
As always Rashford is happy to chat once the interview finishes, I sense he is ready to push for his spot again and hope we see him in a United shirt again soon. As I leave he waves me off, I see him wave in my rear view mirror all the way along his drive. Seeing him there, relaxed but focused, I know the boy who joined them a lifetime ago has another chapter to write at Manchester United.
- Henri Wynter