Marcus Rashford named in 'Time' magazine's Next 100 list

Manchester United player recognised for campaign against child poverty

Marcus Rashford. EPA

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has been named in Time  magazine's Next 100 Most Influential People in the World list for his campaign against child poverty.

The list compiled by the magazine recognises 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future of entertainment, health, politics, business and more.

Rashford, 23, spoke on Wednesday at the Financial Times'  Business of Football summit where he said he believed the positives of social media must be highlighted to end the growing problem of online abuse.

He was subjected to racism last month, while other Manchester United players Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe and Lauren James have also been attacked in recent weeks.

After United's 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, some Instagram users left racist words and symbols in the comment section of Martial's last post.

Instagram has announced new measures to tackle the problem, but Rashford said the negative storm around social media could encourage others to act.

He has used his Twitter account to influence government policy over his free school meals campaign.

"It's one positive of social media and it is a big positive to be able to make change and do it for the right reasons," Rashford said.

"Instagram and Twitter have given me the opportunity so I can voice my opinion and raise awareness, but also to understand more and connect with families in a short time.

"You are actually in a position where the fact that things have sped up because of the pandemic, it keeps you up to date when you use it in the right way. And that is a big message and a big point.

"There is a lot of negative stuff on social media and people like to highlight that all the time.

"But when there is something positive about social media it should be highlighted more, and more people would use it for that way."