According to a report from FootballTransfers, on Friday November 06, 2026, Marcus Rashford says he was determined to leave England before joining Barcelona on loan, but would not have considered another Premier League club.

The Manchester United forward shared the comments during a question-and-answer session ahead of the club’s Champions League match against Roma, according to Sport.

Rashford is currently injured and has yet to register a goal or assist in eight appearances since returning to United from Barcelona. The club reportedly explored selling him in the summer, partly because of his wages, but manager Michael Carrick has brought him back into the squad.

Reflecting on his time at Aston Villa, Rashford said: “I realised I couldn’t keep playing against United every season. If United wasn’t an option, I told my agent to take me abroad not to another Premier League club.

“After Barcelona, I didn’t want to return to England unless it was to play for United.”

Rashford also spoke warmly about former Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, describing the teenager as the closest player he has seen to Lionel Messi’s level.

“I’ve played with some incredibly talented players, but he’s above them all,” Rashford said. “I’ve never seen anyone that young with that kind of talent. I believe in him so much, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he went on to win seven Ballons d’Or.”

However, Rashford believes Harry Kane deserved the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He pointed to the striker’s goals, assists and achievements with his club, adding that he had sent Kane a message to congratulate him on the award.