Sir Alex Ferguson praises two ‘big-hearted’ Man Utd stars

Sir Alex Ferguson praised Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata for their charitable work, insisting that “footballers are not inactive”.

Rashford’s efforts last year led the government to extend the free school lunch program until the summer, ensuring millions of children would not go hungry.

The England striker has also worked to secure a £ 400million winter grant package to support struggling families this winter.

While Rashford’s incredible efforts are well known, those of his teammate Juan Mata are less widely documented.

Spain’s World Cup winner set up the Common Goal project in 2017, in which footballers donate a percentage of their salary to charity.

And Red Devils icon Ferguson has praised Mata and Rashford for their work, which he says is a shining example of how footballers can help bring about change.

“He’s always been a good kid. He joined us at the age of nine,” Ferguson told the Daily mail .

“When you see the behavior, the behavior, the way of being and the ability of people to make a difference, that’s him. He has that.

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“He comes from a working class background and he knows what it is. When I was in school you had the free lunches and Marcus knows exactly what it is.”

Ferguson added: “I know United boy Juan Mata who donates a percentage of his salary to charity.

“Look what Rashford has done. Not all footballers are buying cars. There is a big percentage with a big heart. Footballers are not inactive.”

Ferguson was Manchester United boss when Rashford began his development at the club’s academy, while Mata moved to Old Trafford in 2014, a year after the Scotsman retired.

Forward Rashford has been in scintillating form this season with 14 goals and five assists, while midfielder Mata contributed with two goals and three assists.

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