Imagine Rashford in sky blue

On Saturday, for the first time ever, United and City will compete in the FA Cup showpiece. And there is a 'what if' story that popped up just at the right time - one shaking the Mancunian rivalry.

Manchester United legend Brian McClair has revealed how Manchester City made numerous attempts to sign Marcus Rashford as a youngster.

McClair, who played almost 500 games for the Red Devils and won several titles before working in the academy set-up during Rashford’s early years, has revealed why the player’s mother, Melanie, rejected the move.

Rashford, 25, has spoken openly about the financial difficulties his family faced while growing up but it was his mother that ‘turned down Man City’s financial incentives’ to keep striker at Manchester United.

“City were trying to get him at 12, 14, 16, and offering a lot more financial incentives,” the 59-year-old told The Times.

“His mum, a brilliant woman, just wanted him to go to a better school.

“So we took him into the programme with a place at Ashton-on-Mersey School (located near United’s Carrington training ground) sometimes in digs or at home. His mum could work in the bookies and all the other jobs she was doing and we were just doing our bit.”

The Mancunian striker joined United as a schoolboy and his potential was quickly noted, before going on to become a teen sensation and bona fide star for club and country.