Why was Marcus Rashford in Belfast?

Marcus Rashford's trip to Belfast which ended in a '12-hour tequila bender' and a ticking off from Manchester United began as a visit to see an old friend.

The England star went over to see former United defender Ro-Shaun Williams, who has just signed for Northern Irish club Larne.

Rashford and Williams both played as kids for Manchester-based youth club Fletcher Moss Rangers before joining United's academy.

Defender Williams, 25, wasn't able to make the grade at Old Trafford like Rashford but went on to play in League One for Shrewsbury Town and Doncaster Rovers.

After being released by the South Yorkshire club last summer, Williams moved to reigning NIFL Premiership champions Larne last Wednesday.

Their manager Tiernan Lynch described Williams as 'a great addition to strengthen our squad', while the player himself said he was relishing 'a different challenge' in a 'winning environment'.

But it was Rashford's presence as Williams checked in at his new club that would go on to steal all the attention.

The pair are close friends and were pictured just a few weeks ago seeing in the New Year together with their partners.

According to a report on Rashford's Belfast trip in The Sun, he flew from Manchester to the Northern Irish capital on a private jet on Wednesday before checking into the five-star Fitzwilliam Hotel.

It's claimed he then headed out to the Dirty Onion pub and Lavery's bar.

United were in the midst of their winter break, having last played Tottenham - a 2-2 draw - on January 14.

They trained on Wednesday and though Thursday was a day off, Rashford had to report back on Friday ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie away to Newport County on Sunday afternoon.

On the Thursday, Rashford visited Larne FC, with the club posting