Rashford names Lamine Yamal as closest player to Messi in leaked Man Utd Q&A

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has described Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal as the closest player to Lionel Messi’s level, following his experience playing alongside the youngster last season.

Speaking during a hospitality Q&A session at Old Trafford ahead of United’s Champions League clash against Roma, Rashford revealed his admiration for the 19-year-old.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News⁠, Rashford said: “I’ve played with some talented, talented players, but he’s above them all. I’ve never seen a player at that age be as talented as what he is.”

He added: “For me, yeah, I’ve never said this out to the media before, but for me, he’s the closest somebody can get to the level of Messi over the years.”

The England international also backed Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or triumph, describing the Bayern Munich striker’s victory as deserved. Rashford, who has scored 138 goals for United, also admitted his career at Old Trafford had not gone as he originally expected.