Marcus Rashford spoke to Manchester United supporters during a rare Q&A session at Old Trafford ahead of Tuesday night's Roma fixture, with the full transcript of his comments now revealed.
The 29-year-old appeared in the Ambassadors' Lounge before fans who had purchased premium hospitality packages. The experience costs approximately £2,500 and provides supporters with seats one row behind the United dugout, alongside a meet-and-greet opportunity, a five-course dining menu, 'behind-the-scenes access' and a live Q&A. The package also includes a designated area to welcome the squad upon their arrival at Old Trafford via the team bus. United's website promotes this hospitality option as their "luxury" matchday offering.
Rashford's Injury and Return
Michael Carrick was again without Rashford for a fourth consecutive fixture on Tuesday. The striker is currently rehabilitating from hip and thigh problems, which made him available to engage with supporters in the hospitality suite.
Rashford has conducted minimal media appearances in recent seasons, with the Q&A marking his first public comments since returning to United after Barcelona opted against securing his signature permanently following last season's loan spell.
Career Reflections and Idols
The 29-year-old seemed at ease throughout the Q&A, which was facilitated by a presenter before audience questions were invited. During the session, Rashford reflected on his career, noting that he remembers every goal he has scored for United.
"I don't, because I expected my United career to go differently to how it did, so you know initially I wanted to try and get as close as possible to Wazza's record, but it's not the way it worked out, but I definitely remember the goals I scored," Rashford said.
He also discussed his idols, saying: "I had an idol, Wayne Rooney, and then when I watched Cristiano, I started to idolise him too. So I had idols, but I never wanted to be like my idol, if that makes sense? I always wanted to be me but try and take pieces of them and yeah trying to implement it into my own way."
Praise for Messi and Yamal
Rashford also spoke about Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, who won the Ballon d'Or. "Messi is a genius, like he's an incredible player. You'll probably never see another player in our lifetime in terms of like complete genius like Leo, but of course, Harry Kane won the award and it's an individual award and he scored stupid amount of goals this year and stupid amount of assists. So in my opinion, he deserved to win it this year," he said.
He also praised Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, stating: "I told him I've played with some talented, talented players, but he's above them all. I've never seen a player at that age be as talented as what he is. So for me, yeah, I've never said this out to the media before, but for me, he's the closest somebody can get to the level of Messi over the years."
Rashford has been injured since the 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid and is eager to get back on the pitch for United.
