Harry Maguire has publicly backed Marcus Rashford to remain at Manchester United, describing the forward as a ‘huge threat’ who can still elevate the team, after the striker made his long-awaited return in a 4-2 preseason defeat to AC Milan.
Rashford came off the bench in the second half in Wroclaw, his first appearance for United since December 2024. He showcased a moment of skill by the corner flag and went close to scoring while wearing the number nine shirt, which was given to him by Michael Carrick.
United officials, however, made it clear the number is not considered a permanent change, especially on a day when Benjamin Sesko, who was expected to take the shirt this season, was missing due to injury. That, in itself, highlights the ongoing uncertainty around Rashford’s future before the 1 September transfer deadline.
Carrick said last week he could not be certain whether the England international would stay, and Maguire echoed that uncertainty. The defender, though, made his preference known.
“Obviously the transfer window is still open,” Maguire said. “As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure. You saw when he came on, he threatened the backline really well. He could have scored. He’s a huge threat. I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that playing against him and playing with him in training is going to help us.”
The return of Rashford, though, was overshadowed by a performance Maguire described as United’s “worst” of preseason, coming a week before their Premier League opener at Hull. Captain Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for the second consecutive game; a successful conversion would have made it 2-1 at halftime. There were encouraging signs, however, as Fernandes and Youri Tielemans completed the full 90 minutes together for the first time, showing promising link-up play.
“We’re wanting to play much further up the pitch, be more aggressive and more on the front foot,” Maguire said. “This was the only game where I didn’t feel we did ourselves justice in that aspect. We had a lot of high regains and created a lot of chances from that, but we didn’t sustain our pressure anywhere close to enough.”
With Fernandes absent in earlier games of a long preseason that lasted five weeks and featured six matches, Maguire took the captain’s armband. That could indicate he is in line for the vice captaincy this season, although the club has not confirmed it.
The match also marked a reunion with former manager Ruben Amorim, now in charge of AC Milan. Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom had fallen out with Amorim during his tenure, were on the far side of the pitch acknowledging supporters when Amorim encountered his former players as they departed the field. The Portuguese coach and his staff received warm embraces from many of them.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport after the game, Amorim said: “I’m proud to have been at Manchester United and I still love Manchester United.” He also greeted journalists he knew from his time in England, asked with a smile, “do you miss me guys,” and joked that press conferences “are more boring” without him.
Maguire had only positive things to say about Amorim’s 14 months at Old Trafford.
“It was great to see him and all his staff,” Maguire said. “I got on with Ruben really well and all his staff. I am happy he has another chance to impress and show everyone what a great manager he is. I’m sure he’s going to be a success. I have nothing bad to say about Ruben. It just didn’t work out at Manchester United. But he’s got a massive club now. I’ll be following them and hope they have an amazing season.”
With the transfer window open until 1 September, Rashford’s future remains in the balance. Maguire has made it clear what he wants, and Amorim has moved on to a new challenge with the backing of his former players.
