The 22-year-old England international in collaboration with the Fareshare charity organisation helped raise £20m to provide free meals to the vulnerable during the coronavirus lockdown in the UK.
Rashford was also successful in urging the UK government to reconsider its decision to withdraw a scheme for free school meals for underprivileged children during the summer months, using his own childhood experiences as a reference point.
Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton have also received honorary degrees from the University in the past but Rashford will become the youngest recipient of such an honour.
Rashford said: “It’s a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it’s humbling.
"We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we are heading in the right direction and that means a lot. Thank you to The University of Manchester.”
President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, said: “Marcus is an extraordinary young man with an extraordinary talent and drive that stretches well beyond the football field.
“His work for charity and his high-profile campaign will not only help countless young people across our own city, but across the entire country.
“Our university has social responsibility at its core and this sense of civic pride and duty is something we are proud to share with Marcus. That is why the University is delighted to make Marcus our youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree.”
