Sanches beats Rashford to Golden Boy prize

ESPN FC’s Alejandro Moreno and Ross Dyer ponder where Renato Sanches’ career will go after winning the Golden Boy Award.

Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches has won the 2016 Golden Boy award ahead of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and Bayern Munich teammate Kingsley Coman.

Bayern signed Sanches on a five-year deal from Benfica in May for €35 million plus add-ons before the 19-year-old caught the eye with a series of scintillating performances for Portugal at Euro 2016.

Sanches beat off strong competition from United’s rising star Rashford and France winger Coman for the prestigious Golden Boy prize, which was established by Tuttosport in 2003 and is voted for by journalists from 30 European newspapers.

All nominees must be under 21, play in the top tier of a European league and can only be included if they have not already won it.

After picking up an injury at Euro 2016, Sanches is yet to play a full 90 minutes or provide a goal or assist for the German champions, but he did enough to convince the judges to award him the prize.

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