England striker Marcus Rashford has sent a message to the academy players at Manchester United following the cancellation of the 2019-2020 Academy season by the Premier League as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The curtailment will include all Under-9 to Under-16 games as well as the Under-18 and Under-23 competitions.

Manchester United have in their U18 squad three Nigeria-eligible youngsters in the shape of Shola Shoretire, Dillon Hoogewerf and Ayodeji Sotona.

The three attack-minded teenagers were having an outstanding season before it was halted, scoring a total of seven goals combined in the U18 Premier League and helping United qualify for the semifinals of the FA Youth Cup.

Rashford, who rose through the ranks before making his first team debut for Manchester United, has urged the Academy players to continue practicing on their own ahead of the resumption of next season.

In a message shared on Twitter on Saturday, Rashford stated : "The news you got yesterday was probably not what you wanted to hear. I know all you want to do is play because I'm the same, but the decision has been made to protect everyone involved. This is bigger than football

"You might be feeling a bit low but the best thing you can do is pick up your ball and get out in the garden. When I was in the academy I used to find spot in the garden and aim for targets just so I could practice my accuracy, get creative!

"Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game, it's a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place.

"You've got this and we can't wait to see you all back next season!"

Shoretire has agreed a scholarship with Manchester United for the 2020-2021 season while Hoogewerf inked his first professional contract with the Red Devils in March.

Igho Kingsley