Former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has insisted that Marcus Rashford can match the exploits of Paris Saint-Germain and France attacker Kylian Mbappe.
The 22-year-old has scored 19 times in 31 appearances for United this season and had been in excellent form before picking up a back problem towards the start of January.
Mbappe is considered by many to be the best young talent in world football, but Darmian, who represented the Red Devils between 2015 and 2019, has insisted that Rashford "can reach the level" of the 2018 World Cup winner and win the Ballon d'Or in the future.
"I still remember Marcus Rashford's first session with the senior squad like it was yesterday," Darmian told The Guardian. "I immediately thought: 'Wow, this is an incredible player'.
"He did so many impressive things for a player of his age and the way he improved in every detail really impressed me. If he continues to work the way he has done so far he can be a Ballon d'Or winner. I'm convinced of this.
"He impressed me the most of all the players at United and he's very young and can still improve. For me he can reach the level of Kylian Mbappe and compete for the Ballon d'Or for years to come."
Rashford has scored 64 times in 201 appearances for the Red Devils since debuting in 2015.
Matt Law
