Marcus Rashford hails new Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal as potentially 'the best in the world' as Man Utd misfit explains what he will add to La Liga champions

Having been frozen out at Manchester United, Old Trafford academy graduate Rashford is preparing himself for another new challenge. He spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa - rediscovering his spark there before suffering an unfortunate injury.

Barca have taken England international Rashford on a season-long loan that includes a purchase option for the summer of 2026. The 27-year-old forward is determined to prove his worth.

Playing alongside teenage wonderkid Yamal should aid that cause, with Rashford saying of the exciting 18-year-old - who is already being tipped to win multiple Ballons d’Or: “He is a very special talent, and for me, I feel definitely last season, he is one of the leading players in the world, if not the best.

“Everyone wants to play with the best, and there is a lot of talent in this squad. I am happy and eager to play with them on the pitch. Maybe I can help them, and for sure, they can help me. It is going to be exciting.”

Rashford added on the qualities that he will bring to Hansi Flick’s La Liga title-winning squad in Catalunya: “I know myself, one of my best skills is to adapt and change to circumstances on the pitch, especially in games, I don’t have any fears about this. In time, it will be a good match.

“I am eager to make it happen as soon as possible, to feel comfortable and show my skills in this team. I hope it happens straight away, but sometimes it is not as simple as that. I also want to get a better understanding of the club, the fans and the culture, I want to experience everything, not just on the pitch.”

Rashford made 426 appearances for United on the back of making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2016. He scored 138 goals for the Red Devils, but saw end product dry up before tumbling out of Ruben Amorim’s plans and towards the exits.