Marcus Rashford was only 11 years old but already had become a ‘mini-superstar’ in Wythenshawe destined for Premier League acclaim.

The teenager has enjoyed a scintillating week, scoring four goals in his first two starts as a Manchester United player and smashing records in the process.

That prowess was evident years previous when Rashford – a quiet, unassuming character – began going along on his bike to the club’s Street Reds foundation programme, which he still visits today to catch up with old friends.

Manchester United starlet Marcus Rashford poses with the Premier League trophy as a youngster

Rashford scores the second of his two goals against Arsenal to complete a memorable four days

Rashford celebrates after scoring on his United debut — the 18-year-old was originally named on the bench

Foundation coach Dave Chapman was one of the first to come across the striker, now 18, in south Manchester.

‘You could see from the beginning that there was something there,’ he said.

‘At this point, he was already involved with the Manchester United Academy but we weren’t aware; he never mentioned it, he just turned up to play.

‘You see players who play for clubs at the weekends and they turn up to evening sessions and just watch because they don’t want to get injured but Marcus was always fully involved.

Juan Mata has told the humble teenage star to ‘stay calm’, something Rashford has done since he was a kid

Rashford (centre, third from right) pictured as a six-year-old before going on to become a professional player

‘He wasn’t one for standing on the side and watching, the lure of the game was too much for him.

‘In the eyes of his fellow participants he became a mini-superstar. They all wanted him on their five-a-side teams and it caused a few arguments when they were all trying to pick him, but it didn’t affect him.’

Rashford has become an overnight sensation, now with the added burden of role model status. Yet he has always retained leadership qualities according to Chapman.

Street Reds promotes learning in a football environment, with the foundation helping kids work towards future qualifications. The scheme is designed for youngsters exactly like Rashford across the city.

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MARCUS RASHFORD

1. He was born on Halloween, 1997

Rashford was born in Manchester on October 31, 1997, a few months after Van Gaal left Dutch giants Ajax to take up a post with Barcelona.

The day after United scored six against Sheffield Wednesday at home, with strikers Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all grabbing braces.

2. He used to play for Fletcher Moss Rangers at youth level

Rashford is one of a number of players who have gone on to play professionally after turning out for local youth club Fletcher Moss Rangers.

The likes of Wes Brown, Danny Welbeck and Ravel Morrison all represented the team in their junior years, while current United team-mates Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Tyler Blackett were also ex-Fletcher Moss players.

3. He was prolific at U18 level

Rashford topped the scoring charts for United’s Under 18s last year, having found the net on 13 occasions in 25 starts.

However, he only made his maiden appearance for the club’s reserves in a Lancashire Senior Cup tie with Rochdale this season, one month before he turned 18.

4. He scored twice on his UEFA Youth League debut

Nicky Butt, recently named the head of United’s academy, handed him the captain’s armband for the Under 19s’ first UEFA Youth League tie of the season in September against PSV.

Rashford responded by scoring a brace in Eindhoven – the first coming from the penalty spot – as United coasted to a 3-0 victory.

5. He has been in senior United squads before

Van Gaal named Rashford among his substitutes in the 2-1 win at Watford on November 21 and in the draw at high-flying Leicester the following weekend.

However, on neither occasion was he brought on to the pitch by the Dutchman.

‘There were a lot of kids who looked up to him at the session, especially at that age, when you’re coming to a football session and there’s someone who stands out and is as good as Marcus, it commands attention and he became a bit of a leader in the group,’ Chapman added.

‘There was no pressure or expectation, he was just playing within himself, he was never a show-off, although he had the skills and little tricks he’d use within games which would make him stand out.

‘I think socially and for his personal development it was a great programme for him in terms of meeting new people and integrating within groups.’

Marcus Rashford attends Manchester United Foundation project  www.mufoundation.org/streetreds