Renato Sanches wins Golden Boy award ahead of Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford

Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches has won the coveted European Golden Boy award, with Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford in second place. The 19-year-old star claimed the prize after a stunning season at both club and international level.

The teenager broke into the first-team at Benfica in Portugal, before sealing a €35m (£31.1m), plus bonuses, move to the German giants. He also became an established member of the Portugal national team during Euro 2016, helping the Iberians win their first-ever major trophy.

Sanches claimed the award, which has previously been won by the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, after topping a vote of journalists from 30 newspapers across Europe, all of whom were asked to name the best player aged under 21 through 2016.

Sanches – who was a one-time transfer target for United – also beat the likes of his Bayern teammate Kingsley Coman and AC Milan goalkeeping sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma to the award.

Last year, the gong was claimed by United's French forward Anthony Martial, who became the third player from Old Trafford to be named as the Golden Boy, following Wayne Rooney in 2004 and Anderson in 2008.

Meanwhile, Sanches previously admitted he could have easily made the move to United earlier this year, but instead opted to join Bayern.

"Manchester United made an offer. I think it was well known. But I had other offers as well," Sanches said, as quoted by The Sun. "I chose Bayern Munich because it's a great club. They have a 65,000-seater stadium and an atmosphere similar to Benfica. I'll win titles."