Rashford, 22, raised over £20 million ($25m) to aid vulnerable people and children during the Coronavirus lockdown and in June was widely praised for writing an emotional letter to the UK government sharing how he survived starvation as a youth while urging the government to continue the policy of allowing children benefit from free school meals.

The University of Manchester has now decided to honour Rashford with an honorary doctorate for his work in the community, making him the youngest recipient of the award.

Rashford has released a statement announcing the award, which reads: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling. We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot. Thank you to The University of Manchester.”