Rashford birthday celebrations show how both Man United and the player capitalise on popularity

November 1, 2018 Parker Sikes

While most official social media accounts of Premier League teams were celebrating Halloween, Manchester United were celebrating Marcus Rashford’s 21st birthday on Wednesday. The young Red Devils star was featured all over their Twitter account in videos, images, and articles and even his #MR10 hashtag was getting a run-out.

.@MarcusRashford turns 2️⃣1️⃣! ????????

Leave your birthday wishes for the #MUFC star in the comments… pic.twitter.com/YOWaOXzPLJ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2018

For his birthday, United wanted to celebrate Rashford’s skills and accomplishments. They shared a top ten video to show off his best goals, and shared an article that praises his effect on young children in Manchester.

As another part of birthday celebration, Manchester United allowed the Street Reds kids to ask him anything and he answered on their free app, further establishing the forward as a role model for young people in the city.

Kicking off @MarcusRashford's big day in style! ⚽

There's much more #MR10 birthday celebrations to come via our free app – download now: https://t.co/qk55vW6xcq pic.twitter.com/jTjgvUuFjQ

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2018

The Street Reds kids weren’t the only people who wanted to wish Rashford a happy birthday, though. United tweeted a video of teammate, Anthony Martial sending him well wishes with a thumbs up.

Hey @MarcusRashford…

…@AnthonyMartial has a message for you! ???? pic.twitter.com/Z8I1mGeppM

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2018

Birthday post are far from novel on social media – every day there’s an account celebrating the birthday of some former player of legend of the game. It’s easy-win content to bring in the likes: hitting the like button is the same as sending your birthday regards.

But this was a bit different, with more content planned and posted for one player in particular. It’s clear that Rashford’s appeal as the local boy come good makes him a star among United fans, and it seems as though the two are working together to capitalise on that.