Marcus Rashford, currently sidelined with injury, told Manchester United supporters at Old Trafford that Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal stands above every talented player he has shared a dressing room with, and that he would not have come back to England for any club other than United, Mundo Deportivo reported. The remarks were made in a meeting with fans in the Ambassadors’ Lounge at Old Trafford ahead of United’s match against Roma and were leaked on social media.

The 27-year-old forward, who returned to United this season after a loan spell at Barcelona, also said he told Yamal before leaving Barça that the youngster was on another level entirely, and compared the closest thing he has seen to Lionel Messi’s level over the years.

Rashford calls Yamal the closest thing to Messi

According to the report, Rashford told the fans: “Before I left Barça, I told Lamine Yamal that I had played with some very talented players, but he is above all of them.” He added that he had never seen a player of Yamal’s age with so much talent, describing him as the closest anyone can get to Messi’s level over the years.

Rashford backed that assessment with Yamal’s Ballon d’Or finishes, noting the Barcelona winger has placed second, third and eighth in the award voting — all by the age of 19. “I really believe in this kid’s talent; if he goes on to win seven Ballon d’Ors, it won’t surprise me,” Rashford said. “He finished second, third and eighth. And at what age, 19?”

Why Rashford ruled out other Premier League clubs

Rashford explained that his time on loan at Aston Villa made him realize he could not keep playing against United every season. He said that if United was not an option, he told his agent to take him abroad rather than to another Premier League club — the reason he ultimately returned to Old Trafford after his Barcelona loan.

He also revealed separate conversations with former United defenders Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick that convinced him to commit to a second spell at the club.

Kane deserved the Ballon d’Or, Rashford says

On Messi himself, Rashford said: “He is an incredible player. We will probably never see another player in our lifetime in terms of a complete genius like Leo.”

Questions readers still ask about Rashford’s comments

Where did Rashford make these remarks? He spoke to Manchester United supporters in the Ambassadors’ Lounge at Old Trafford before the club’s match against Roma, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Is Rashford currently playing? No — the report describes him as currently injured, which is why he was meeting fans rather than preparing on the pitch.

Did Rashford confirm he would only return to England for United? Yes. He said that after his Aston Villa loan, he told his agent that if United was not an option, he wanted to move abroad, not to another Premier League club.

Rashford’s comments come as he settles into his second spell at Manchester United following the Barcelona loan, with his fitness the next checkpoint on his return to the pitch.