Harry Maguire has insisted that Marcus Rashford would be welcomed back with open arms at Manchester United if he chooses to stay and fight for his future at Old Trafford. The 28-year-old's career appeared destined to continue away from the club after being deemed surplus to requirements by former manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford's loan and Barcelona move
Rashford was loaned to Aston Villa for six months in January 2025 before securing a move to Barcelona the following summer. Despite a productive campaign with the Spanish champions, they opted not to make the transfer permanent earlier this summer.
With Barcelona having signed Anthony Gordon for £70 million, a return to Camp Nou looks increasingly unlikely, and Rashford is expected to begin pre-season back at Manchester United. Under new management, with Michael Carrick now in charge, Rashford could yet revive a United career that seemed over.
Maguire's support for Rashford
Maguire, speaking on The Rest Is Football, said: 'I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and had some great times with him over the years. I know what a wonderful player he can be. It's up to the club and up to Marcus and finding a mutual agreement.'
'Of course, if Marcus does come back we want him to come back and play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club but everyone knows what a great player Marcus can be for whatever club he plays for next season.'
Rashford's England performance
Rashford impressed for England in their 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday, helping the Three Lions secure a place in the last 32 as group winners. Maguire praised his display, saying: 'I think he was so direct and positive with everything that he did. We spoke about the Ghana game where it was a bit slow and we had too much patience.'
'I think Rashy straight away took the game to Panama and I think first 10 minutes he put four or five crosses in the box and it wasn't as accurate as he normally is and then he finds that one where Harry probably was unfortunate not to score.'
'He was a constant threat throughout the game and when he's in that mood I think us England fans know how good he can be and I've had the pleasure of playing with him at Manchester United for many years so when he's in that frame and in that direct mode he's unstoppable on his day.'
Future prospects
Rashford still has several Premier League suitors, but Maguire believes his long-time teammate could thrive under Carrick. Whether Rashford retains his place in England's starting XI ahead of Gordon remains to be seen.
