Harry Maguire wants Manchester United to do everything possible to retain Marcus Rashford, describing his England team-mate as a “huge threat” after the forward returned to action for the club.
United completed their pre-season schedule with a 4-2 defeat by AC Milan on Saturday, despite goals from Maguire and Patrick Dorgu. The match also marked Rashford’s first appearance for Manchester United since December 2024, as Michael Carrick brought him on as a second-half substitute.
Rashford’s return came 20 months after his last competitive outing for the Red Devils, when he featured in a Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen. Ruben Amorim was Manchester United’s manager at that time and is now in charge of AC Milan.
The 27-year-old spent part of 2025 on loan at Aston Villa, scoring four goals and creating five more in 17 appearances, before moving to Barcelona.
He made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Blaugrana last season, starting 26 matches and contributing 25 goals and assists in total. His record included 14 goals and 11 assists as Barcelona retained their LaLiga title.
One of Rashford’s main highlights came in Barcelona’s title-clinching victory over Clasico rivals Real Madrid, when he scored a spectacular free-kick. However, Barcelona chose not to make his loan move permanent this summer and instead moved for his England team-mate Anthony Gordon.
Rashford’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal among the clubs reported to be interested in signing him. Maguire, though, would prefer to see him remain with Manchester United.
“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 their 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.”
Maguire has no ill-feeling towards Amorim
AC Milan’s victory offered Amorim some limited satisfaction after his difficult spell as Manchester United manager ended in January.
During his 14 months in charge, Amorim oversaw the club’s worst-ever Premier League finish, with United ending the 2024-25 season in 15th place. His tenure also ended with a humiliating Europa League final defeat by Spurs.
In the Premier League, Amorim recorded the lowest win ratio of any Manchester United manager at 32%. His side also had the worst goals-conceded-per-game figure, at 1.5, and the lowest clean-sheet ratio, at 15%.
Maguire said he nevertheless remained on good terms with Amorim and his coaching staff.
“It was great to see him and all his staff. I got on with Ruben and all his staff really well.
“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. He’s got a massive club now. I’ll be following them and hope they have an amazing season.”
