Harry Maguire backs Marcus Rashford to stay at Manchester United: ‘He can improve us for sure’

Harry Maguire has given his firm backing to Marcus Rashford remaining a Manchester United player beyond the end of the transfer window after the 28-year-old made his first appearance for the club in 20 months.

Rashford got 30 minutes as a substitute against AC Milan in Michael Carrick side’s final pre-season game, having last played for United in December 2024 against Viktoria Plzen, and expectations are he will now continue at Old Trafford.

Rashford wore the No 9 shirt, in a signal of his status in Carrick’s squad, although Premier League numbers are not confirmed until the eve of the competition starting, so he could yet change. But Rashford’s United comeback against Milan was a major step towards his projected reintegration competitively.

“He can improve us for sure,” said Maguire, who has been Rashford’s club teammate since 2019, as well as his England colleague. “I think you have seen when he came on (against Milan), he threatens the back line really well. He could have even scored for us today.

“He’s a huge threat to have in your team, 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.

“I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us.”

(Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

United’s pre-season ended with a lacklustre display, as Ruben Amorim’s Milan twice came from behind to win 4-2 through three goals in 14 minutes in the second half. The 34-degree heat in Wroclaw appeared to be a factor, so too was United wishing to emerge from the game injury free.

“That was probably our worst performance in pre-season,” said Maguire. “But it’s a week before the Premier League starts and we’ve come through it injury-free. That’s the most important thing. Minutes into the boys’ legs and I feel like we’re in a good place to go into the Premier League now.

“It was at a slow tempo and credit to AC Milan, they were a little bit more aggressive than us. They deserved to win.

“It was hot out there, I must say. I think it was 34, 35 degrees. So it was a hard game, but it wasn’t the most intense game. It was played a bit flat and for ourselves, we were far too passive as a team.

“Of course you can switch it next week. That’s the Premier League. 12:30 on a Saturday away at Hull, it’s going to be an intense game and one where we’re ready to go.

“There’s probably boys out there (against Milan) wanting to make sure that they get through the game and get the minutes into the legs without pushing too intensely to be ready next week. But it wasn’t a good performance from us, we know that. We’ve got to do better, we’ve got to improve, but we’ve got a full week to analyse and we will do.”

The match brought players face-to-face with Amorim for the first time since he was sacked by United in January. Several hugged Amorim on the pitch after the trophy presentation.

“Great to see him and all his staff,” said Maguire. “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. But when you’re a manager and you put yourself in that firing seat, there’s going to be disappointments, but he’s got a massive club now in AC Milan and I wish him and all his staff the very best. I’ll be following them and I hope they have an amazing season.”