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Marcus Rashford was forced to settle for Declan Rice’s spare shirt

Declan Rice demonstrated his class by handing an ecstatic child his match-worn shirt… the same one he vowed to hand over to Marcus Rashford.

However, the Manchester United star will not be bothered by Rice’s gesture as the West Ham captain fulfilled the youngster’s ambition. Rice’s gesture came after his team’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the London Stadium, a significant outcome in the context of the season.

West Ham now sit seven points clear of Nottingham Forest in the final relegation spot, which should be enough to keep them in the Premier League for another year. Man United, led by Rashford, have opened the door to a top-four finish. Liverpool, in fifth place, is only one point behind Erik Ten Hag’s side having played a game more.

Rice gifted his shirt after he spotted the youngster crying in the stands. “Are you alright, brother? Why are you crying?” Rice asked the kid before giving him a big hug.

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The young Hammer then asked for Rice’s shirt, to which he replied: “You know what, I did promise it to Rashford. Don’t show them lot [some other fans] because I’ve just told them I’m going to give it to Rashford, but I’ll give him another one!”

Rice then handed the garment to the boy before hugging him again and telling him, “I love you mate.” Rice’s gesture has gone viral on social media, with hundreds of supporters hailing the West Ham captain for his outstanding performance.

The West Ham fan who uploaded the video, who is thought to be the child’s father, wrote: “What a hero you are Declan Rice, thanks so much.”

Unfortunately, the West Ham supporter did not have a pen with which to autograph Rice’s prized jersey. Nonetheless, the England international is willing to sign it later. “Seeing your boy made my night,” he tweeted. This is what it all boils down to! I’d be delighted to autograph it for you.”

Rice voiced his excitement after the win to BT Sport after the game. “It’s massive,” he said. The points it gives us now create a nice buffer between us and the bottom teams. There are three more to go, but the significance of the three is significant.

“We had our eye on this game as one we could win in front of the home fans. Today, the lads gave absolutely everything and it was a thoroughly deserved win.

“As players you can’t help to look around you. To win this one was big, to give ourselves a gap between ourselves and the bottom. Mathematically, you still need 40 [points, West Ham are currently on 37 points].”

West Ham’s attention is currently focused on the Europa Conference League. The first leg of their semi-final against AZ Alkmaar takes place on Thursday evening at the London Stadium, with either Fiorentina or Basel waiting for them in the final on June 7 in Prague.