Marcus Rashford might be out of favor at Manchester United, but he’s never out of sight—or out of hearts. Just recently, a video went viral that reminded fans why Rashford remains a local hero, regardless of his current standing at the club. The forward, who’s currently training away from the first team under new manager Ruben Amorim, was spotted outside Carrington in his custom Rolls-Royce.
Despite the coldness in his relationship with United’s hierarchy, he stopped, rolled down his tinted window, and signed a young fan’s Manchester United shirt. The boy’s smile was pure, the moment tender—but it was the background soundtrack that caught the attention of Football Twitter.
As Rashford opened the window, “Lonely Child” by NBA YoungBoy could be heard playing softly inside his car. It was a fleeting few seconds, but it sparked widespread curiosity among fans. Why that track? Why that artist? And more importantly, what kind of music does Marcus Rashford listen to? What’s in the headphones of a man who has gone from prodigy to Premier League star to national humanitarian and now, a misunderstood outcast?
Let’s break it down.
UK Grime and Rap: Where It All Begins
Rashford’s music taste is deeply rooted in the sounds of UK grime and rap, genres that reflect the environment he grew up in—working-class Manchester, a community filled with energy, hardship, hope, and hustle. In an exclusive Manchester United Q&A in June 2021, Rashford openly admitted:
“Most of the time it’s UK music and UK artists. I like rap music … more often than not, it’s UK music.”
He didn’t just stop there. Rashford name-dropped some of the most iconic voices of the UK rap scene—Santan Dave, Stormzy, Bugzy Malone, Chipmunk, and Mist. These are not just popular names; they represent the gritty, lyrical storytelling that has become the heartbeat of modern British youth culture. Rashford’s connection to them isn’t casual. It’s cultural. It’s personal.
His love for Dave goes even deeper. In a Beats by Dre spot, Rashford was asked to name a track that really hit home for him. His choice? “Environment” by Dave. A song that is anything but superficial—filled with self-reflection, racial identity, fame pressure, and social commentary. For Rashford, this isn’t background noise. It’s a mirror.
Pre-game Music & Mindset: Conscious Over Chaos
Despite the hype and energy that surrounds football, Rashford chooses to tune into more meaningful frequencies before stepping on the pitch. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian alongside Dave himself, he admitted:
“I can’t listen to hype music because if I go on to the pitch pumped up with raw emotion, I’m going to get a red card. I listen to the same group of people. You, Stormzy. People who are spreading messages with the words ”
That statement alone tells us volumes. Music, for Rashford, isn’t just for hype—it’s for balance, for grounding. He uses conscious lyricism as a mental anchor, avoiding anything that might emotionally destabilize him in competitive scenarios.
More UK Artists: A Strong Local Palette
Beyond Dave and Stormzy, Rashford’s playlist is decorated with names that dominate the UK charts and streets alike: Aitch, MoStack, and Mist—all mentioned in his GQ “10 Essentials” interview. These artists carry a distinct Northern flair, especially Aitch, another Mancunian voice, and represent Rashford’s continued connection to his community and roots. Whether he’s at Old Trafford or abroad, the UK sound is always in his ears.
American Rap & R&B: Expanding the Soundscape
Though UK rap dominates, Rashford doesn’t limit himself geographically. He’s got a strong appreciation for American hip-hop and R&B, with Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Drake, Rihanna, and Beyoncé all making regular appearances on his playlist. In both his GQ interview and the United Q&A, Rashford consistently name-checks these artists, blending British grit with global glamour. These choices reveal a well-rounded, emotion-driven listener—someone who values mood, lyricism, and rhythm over hype.
And this brings us back full circle to NBA YoungBoy. The choice of “Lonely Child” during that recent Carrington appearance wasn’t random. The track is deeply introspective, reflecting isolation, family pain, and inner battles. Perhaps it mirrors Rashford’s own recent experiences: misunderstood, sidelined, yet still showing love to those who supported him from day one—the fans.
Afrobeats: A Touch of the Global South
When a fan once asked Rashford on Twitter whether he listens to Afrobeats and who his favorite artist is, his reply was immediate and simple:
“@burnaboy”
That’s right—Burna Boy, the Nigerian global star whose genre-blending music fuses Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop. Rashford’s nod to Burna speaks to his global music awareness and, likely, his appreciation for music that carries both rhythm and resistance.
Playlist Power: Motivation & Mentality
Music is more than just a vibe for Rashford—it’s his mental prep, his emotional center, and part of his recovery. In the GQ video, he revealed that his iPad is loaded with music curated by his brother since he was 11, stored on memory sticks, and organized for different moods and moments. Whether in form or in transition, Rashford leans on music like a trusted companion.
He even curated a motivational Apple Music playlist called “At Home with Marcus Rashford” during lockdown, featuring a signature mix of Future, Meek Mill, Drake, and UK regulars like Dave, Aitch, and D‑Block Europe. The playlist was meant to inspire, to keep spirits high during training in isolation, and reflects a mix of resilience and reflection.
Final Whistle: What His Music Says About Him
Marcus Rashford isn’t just a footballer with a playlist. He’s a person with purpose, and his music taste is the most intimate window into his mind. From Dave’s social commentary to Stormzy’s power, NBA YoungBoy’s pain, and Burna Boy’s global soul—every track tells us who Rashford is, who he’s been, and perhaps who he’s becoming.
Even if he’s temporarily frozen out of Ruben Amorim’s plans at Manchester United, Rashford hasn’t lost his rhythm. He might be training alone, but he’s far from isolated. Whether he’s scoring goals, feeding kids, or signing shirts while “Lonely Child” plays in the background, Marcus Rashford still has the world listening.
