Which players did you grow up watching? Who caught your imagination?

It was always about Ronaldinho for me. At United we had Ronaldo and Nani as I was growing up and they were two that I watched and tried to study their game. They were confident players who played with freedom, and that’s what I enjoy the most. Having the licence to try different things is important for players nowadays.

Have you had a mentor at the club at all?

Marcus Rashford I’d say. I was in digs with him since U12 level through to U16s and a little bit of U18s. We grew up together and he’s gone on to be such a big part of the first team. He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to as a role model. He’s two age groups above me so I would always see him around, and when we were in digs we’d watch videos of players and that sort of stuff. Seeing what he has achieved only makes me want to work harder. I’ve seen him go through the academy and into the first team and he’s done that by working extremely hard.

What was it like to step onto the pitch at Old Trafford and replace Wayne Rooney? Can you remember much from that moment?

That was massive. I knew how big it was from the reaction in the stadium. To have all my family there that day meant so much. It made all the sacrifices and all the hard work worth it in one moment. It’s such a buzz. When you get that taste and that opportunity, it just gives you that hunger and desire to get even more of it.

When I came on for Rooney, he told me to just to go out there and express myself. He spoke to me before the game because he’s been in the same position, as someone so young coming on the pitch. He gave me some advice when we were in the changing room but the most important thing was to go out, express myself and enjoy it. To come on for a player like him was massive. It was a huge moment all round and I just did all I could to take it all in.

You’re at that age when it’s make or break for a lot of players. Have you seen any friends fall away from the game?

I’m at that age and that level where contracts start to fly around and people don’t know whether they’re coming in their direction or not. A lot of people end up having to drop divisions and some really struggle to find a team. I’ve seen that with people I know. A couple of years ago, it’s obviously not like that. When you’re younger you’re playing with no stress. Now, as you get older, your career depends on it and you have to make the right impression and showcase what you can do, constantly. From what I’ve seen, the more humble and more focused you are, the further you will get.