Harry Maguire has revealed Manchester United players hope Marcus Rashford remains at the club following his return from temporary spells in Spain and England.
Rashford has not played competitively for Manchester United in more than 600 days after being exiled under former manager Ruben Amorim. The forward subsequently completed loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona, though the Spanish side chose not to complete a permanent deal, leaving his long-term future unresolved before the transfer window closes.
Harry Maguire Supports Marcus Rashford
Speaking after Manchester United suffered a 4-2 pre-season defeat against AC Milan, defender Maguire emphasized the value Rashford brings to the squad. "He's a huge threat, he's a huge threat to have in your team," Maguire said. "So if he's going to stay with us, obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he's a big asset to have."
Maguire added that training alongside the England attacker sharpens the squad's performance. "I've played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him and with him in training is going to help us," he said. "He can improve us. When you see when he comes on, he threatens the back line really well. He could have even scored for us today."
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick also indicated that Rashford could remain at Old Trafford this season. Speaking prior to the pre-season match against AC Milan, Carrick noted that Rashford had returned in high spirits. "He's our player. He's come back great. He's just like any other player... He gives us something a little bit different," Carrick said.
Rashford featured during the final pre-season fixture against Italian side AC Milan, entering the match as a second-half substitute and playing the final 30 minutes of the contest.
Ruben Amorim Reconnects With United Squad
The pre-season match marked a reunion between Manchester United and former manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge of AC Milan after his departure from Old Trafford last season. Amorim secured a 4-2 victory over his former club in their final warm-up match before the regular season.
Maguire confirmed there were no lingering grievances following Amorim's tenure at Manchester United. "It's great to see him," Maguire said. "Great to see him and all his staff. I'm happy that they're in another job and another chance to impress and to show everyone what a great manager he is. So I have nothing bad to say about Ruben. I got on with Ruben really, really well and all his staff. I'm sure he's going to be a success, it just didn't work out at Manchester United."
Maguire acknowledged the inherent pressures of managerial positions in top-level football. "But when you're a manager and you put yourself in that firing seat, there's going to be disappointments and he'll be disappointed it didn't," Maguire stated. "But he's got a massive club now in AC Milan and myself, I wish him and all his staff the very best. I'll be following them and I hope they have an amazing season."
Background and Squad Outlook
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, competing in the Premier League and playing home matches at Old Trafford. Rashford progressed through Manchester United's youth academy to become an established attacker for both club and country, while Maguire joined the club from Leicester City in 2019. AC Milan are seven-time European champions based in Milan, Italy, competing in Serie A. Barcelona are multi-time European champions based in Spain, while Aston Villa compete in the English top flight from Birmingham.
With the summer transfer window remaining open, Rashford's ultimate destination for the upcoming campaign remains unclear as Manchester United prepare for the official start of their season.
