I started for Man Utd in Rashford’s famous debut.. now I play in seventh tier & have completely different full-time job

MARCUS RASHFORD made his Manchester United debut a decade ago and has gone on to forge a career in football. The forward marked the Europa League 5-1 win against Midtjylland with a brace in 2016. Joe Riley made his first start for Manchester United against Midtjylland in 2016 Credit: AFP Riley now works as a financial protection advisor Credit: Getty The match was memorable to someone else on the team as Joe Riley made his first-ever start for the club. The former defender was handed the opportunity at left-back as United were suffering an injury crisis. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Rashford, 28, has since earned multiple contracts and earns a reported £325,000-per-week. But Riley’s career seemed to go the other way as he retired from football in 2026. He now works as a financial protection advisor selling life insurance, income protection, critical illness and injury cover. The former defender still plays football but only in non-league with his current team being Warrington Rylands. Riley has admitted that he would have liked to have played more at the highest level but it enjoying his new chapter. He told BBC Sport: “I lived with Scott McTominay for six years, and Marcus and I also came through the academy together. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Marcus Rashford made his debut in the same match Credit: Getty “These people were like family to me. “Of course I would have liked to have played more games for United but things didn’t work out like that. “I don’t dwell on the past – I’m just happy that it happened. I’ve now got my foot in the door for the next chapter of my life. “I’m progressing with another career that’s setting me up for the rest of my life.” Riley left United in 2018 as he spent two years at Bradford City before joining Carlisle United. He then went on to have spells at Walsall, AFC Fylde and Tamworth. As Riley plays in non-league football he is able to take defeats on the chin more than when he was at United. He said: “A few years back I wouldn’t speak for 24 hours if I lost. “Now if we lose, it’s not ideal, but there’s always another game around the corner.” Louis van Gaal was the manager who gave Riley his chance at United and he still remembers the moment his name went on the teamsheet. He said: “The day before the game Van Gaal stuck the starting XI on a board at a team meeting. “I remember thinking: ‘Oh my God’. It was a dream come true.” His name had been included with the likes of Michael Carrick, Daley Blind, Juan Mata and Memphis Depay. Comment now