On the 25th February 2016, a relatively unknown teenager introduced himself to world football with two goals in the Europa League.
And on that special night in Manchester, a star was born and his name was Marcus Rashford.
In the space of a year, Rashford was a household name and stories of his incredible rise began to surface, including a brilliant tale of his idol growing up.
During his first season at youth club Fletcher Moss Rangers, a 7-year-old Rashford was a regular in the first team but he wasn't playing as a striker.
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Rashford explained in a recent interview with The Sunday Times: "My first season [at Fletcher Moss] I went in net. The thrill of scoring a goal, you get the same thrill when you save a good chance.
"Howard was my idol. I used to have a little Tim Howard shirt. You watch, there'll be a game [when he is called upon to go in goal]. I'm going to get the gloves one day!"
In the interview, Rashford went onto speak about how he played football whenever and wherever he could in Manchester:
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"In this area, so many kids love playing football. There were some at the club not as talented as others but they knuckled down because they love the game and everybody improved.
"It meant there was always huge competition, and as soon as one player went to an academy [at a professional club], it was an eye-opener to the rest. It showed what was possible."
Rashford showed Fletcher Moss Rangers and the world what was possible, making his debut in 2016 and going on to break into the first team under Louis van Gaal.
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He has since become an established part of Jose Mourinho and Gareth Southgate's sides, scoring 8 goals in all competitions for club and country this season.
Still, the fact that Tim Howard was his idol growing up leaves much to be admired about the 20-year-old.
Ronaldo? Nope. Beckham? Nope. Van der Sar? Nope. Timothy Matthew Howard? Absolutely.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Rashford, Manchester United
