Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has expressed his gratitude to the club's staff after being named Under-18 Player of the Year for 2015/16.

The 18-year-old was handed an unexpected start by manager Louis van Gaal when Anthony Martial was injured prior to Europa League game against Midtjylland in February and the young striker ended up scoring a brace on his senior debut for the club.

Rashford, who starred for United's U18 side prior to his senior step-up, has managed to score seven goals in all competitions in 15 appearances for United in his debut season.

While collecting the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award at the United gala at Old Trafford on Monday night, he said: "It's been a bit crazy really as everything happened at once, so it's difficult to take in.

"That worked in my favour as I didn't really have time to think about.

"It means a lot coming from Manchester. It's what dreams are made of when you're born here, it was everything I was looking forward to – I'm happy.

"It is important for me to thank all the coaching staff from the Under-18s - Colin Little, Nicky Butt and Paul McGuinness - and Warren Joyce [Under-21s]. They are the ones who have helped me to get to where I am so it's important I thank them."