Amad Diallo risks angering former Man Utd teammate Cristiano Ronaldo with Lionel Messi comment

Manchester United starlet Amad Diallo has complimented Lionel Messi after being compared to the legendary forward.

Amad, who joined Man United from Atalanta for £37 million in January 2021, is back at the club and training with the first-team following a prolific spell on loan at Sunderland.

He scored an impressive 13 goals in the Championship last season as he looks to break into Erik ten Hag's starting XI.

The 21-year-old made a substitute appearance in his side's 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, having impressed fans in training.

Ahead of potentially featuring against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup next Monday, the youngster spoke with the club's official website, where he touched on the comparisons with Messi.

Amad has drawn comparisons with the Inter Miami superstar for his technical ability and style of play.

But the budding winger insists 'no one' plays like the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I know they said this [that I was like Lionel Messi in training] but no-one plays like Messi," he said. "No-one plays like Messi. I am proud he [Papu Gomez] says I play like Messi but I say no-one plays like Messi! In training, I was like the same here, with a little bit of dribbling and scoring, so they say my football is more like Messi but, today, I say no-one can play like Messi."

Amad Diallo in action for Manchester United. Image: Getty

Amad's development is clearly on the right track if he is being likened to Messi, who has achieved everything possible in football, winning honours at club and international level as well as individual awards.

Despite the Africa Cup of Nations taking place this month, the Man United winger will remain at Old Trafford meaning he will be available for key fixtures in the Premier League against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham United and Aston Villa.