Harry Maguire: Marcus Rashford can be a ‘great asset’ for Manchester United

Harry Maguire says Marcus Rashford can become a major asset for Manchester United, but only if the forward remains fully committed to the club and continues working to improve.

The 28-year-old defender made his first start for Manchester United since December 2024 in Sunday’s 5-2 victory over Ipswich. Maguire has been encouraged by Rashford’s approach since the England international returned to the squad and believes he can make an important contribution.

Rashford rejoined Manchester United for pre-season training three weeks ago after previously indicating that he wanted to pursue a new challenge. Since then, the relationship between the player and the club has reportedly become more positive.

Maguire said Rashford’s attitude in training had been encouraging and that the squad would welcome him if he was determined to remain at Old Trafford and help the team.

“It’s been really good since he came in,” Maguire said. “He’s trained really well and us as players, if Marcus wants to be here and wants to work and wants to improve and wants to help the team, of course, we’re willing to have him in the squad.

“He’s a great talent. You’ve seen that he’s always a threat. I think he was a threat constantly [against Ipswich], and I think he could still do a lot more and I think he’ll say that he can do more.

“I think if we keep him fit, we keep him happy, he keeps driven, keeps hungry, and I think he is a great asset to have.”

Rashford featured prominently in the win over Ipswich, with Maguire suggesting the 27-year-old still has more to offer despite posing a consistent threat during the match.

The defender’s comments underline the importance of Rashford’s commitment as he looks to rebuild his position within the Manchester United squad. Maguire said the forward’s fitness, happiness and motivation would all be central to his ability to make a sustained impact.

Barcelona had the opportunity to sign Rashford during the summer but decided not to pursue a permanent transfer, despite reportedly being able to acquire him for £26m. The England forward also rejected possible moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

For now, Rashford remains with Manchester United after returning for pre-season, with Maguire indicating that the squad is prepared to support him if he continues to work hard, develop and contribute to the team’s progress.

Maguire’s own return to the starting line-up came in the 5-2 victory over Ipswich, his first start for the club since December 2024. His assessment of Rashford followed a performance that appears to have strengthened the belief that the forward can still play a significant role at Old Trafford, provided he maintains the desire and focus required.