What happened to other Man Utd debutant from Marcus Rashford's first game
It has been just over a decade since Marcus Rashford made a memorable start to life at Manchester United, but what happened to the other youngster who made his full debut that day?
On the evening of February 25, 2016, a teenage Rashford introduced himself to world football with a brace against Danish side FC Midtjylland.
Louis van Gaal's side secured their place in the Europa League last 16, but it was Rashford who grabbed the headlines as he joined the likes of Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes in scoring as a teenager on his Manchester United debut.
“That was probably the best night of my life,” he said in 2020. “When I was walking out, I saw so many people that I knew in the crowd. It was the weirdest experience ever. I just saw so many faces that I recognised."
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That night belonged to a player who has gone on to make over 400 appearances for his boyhood club, but the game was also a big occasion for another youngster.
Just days after coming off the bench against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup, academy product Joe Riley was handed his full debut as defender Chris Smalling continued to struggle with a shoulder injury.
Speaking in his post-match interview, manager Louis van Gaal was full of praise for Rashford and Riley.
"I have also given great compliments to the youngsters because that's not easy for Marcus Rashford or Joe Riley to play their debut in a Europa League match," he said. "It's a higher level and the pressure that you have to win, so they have shown a fantastic level."
Despite showing that level, Riley failed to make another competitive appearance for United's first team after appearing in several matchday squads during the remainder of the 2016/17 campaign.
He referenced making his debut for United when announcing his departure from the club in 2018.
"Manchester United has been my home, my family, for the last 15 years," he wrote. "It is every boy's dream to play for this club, and I can proudly say I have achieved this. A day I will always cherish - 22/02/16."
Riley continued: "I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone, from all the coaches that have helped me along the way, the staff, the many players I've played alongside whilst growing up but most importantly the fans that have shown constant support throughout my whole time here.
"I have so many unforgettable memories and experiences that I'll forever be grateful for, but I personally feel now is the right time for me to move on and to start the next chapter of my career."
He added: "I wish everyone at the club the very best, and again thank you."
A decade on, the 29-year-old currently plays for National League side Tamworth following spells at Bradford City, Carlisle United, Walsall and AFC Fylde.
Topics: Man Utd, Premier League, Marcus Rashford, Europa League, Louis Van Gaal
Jack Kenmare