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Marcus Rashford may compete with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe for the Ballon d’Or in the future, according to former Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian.
Darmian spent four years alongside Rashford at Old Trafford before moving to Parma alongside Serie A earlier in the season.
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The Italy international, who won the Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup at United, said Rashford can go straight to the top.
“I still remember Marcus Rashford’s first session with the core team as if it were yesterday,” he told The Guardian. “I immediately thought, ‘Wow, this is an amazing player.’
“He did so many impressive things for a player his age and how he improved in every detail really impressed me. If he continues to work as he has done so far, he can be a Ballon d’Or winner.”
“I am convinced of this. He impressed me more than all the United players and he is very young and can still improve. For me he can reach the level of Kylian Mbappe and compete for the Ballon d’Or in the years to come.” “
Classified as ESPN’s No. 1 player 21 and under, he finished sixth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or final vote, while Rashford was not on the nominee list.
Darmian also said that United midfielder Paul Pogba receives a lot of criticism despite being a positive influence in the locker room.
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“There has been a lot of unwarranted criticism of Pogba, for example, that he doesn’t work hard enough, but he always gave his best, I can assure you, in every training session,” he added.
“In my opinion, his performances have been good in recent years, they talk about him too negatively [in the UK].
“Did I see Pogba unhappy or willing to leave? No, I honestly didn’t see him sad or unhappy, quite the contrary, during the whole time I was in Manchester, Paul was absolutely happy with his decision to return there. He really cares about doing it right. at Manchester United. “
Pogba said he has been “frustrated” this season due to his injury problems this season, but that he is ready to return stronger.
Sources have told ESPN United that they are optimistic that he will remain at the club beyond the next transfer window before the coronavirus pandemic stops the sport.
