Maguire backs Rashford to be 'great asset' after Old Trafford return in 5-2 rout

Marcus Rashford marked his return to the Manchester United starting line-up with a lively display in a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on Sunday, his first appearance for the club since being exiled from the squad in December 2024. The result offered a striking backdrop to what has been one of the more turbulent player-club relationships in recent Premier League memory.

Harry Maguire was quick to praise Rashford’s impact since rejoining the group for pre-season training three weeks ago, while making clear what the dressing room expects in return. “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.”

The defender added that Rashford’s quality was evident throughout the Ipswich match, but that there is still more to come. “He’s a great talent. You’ve seen that he’s always a threat. I think he was a threat constantly, and I think he could still do a lot more. If we keep him fit, we keep him happy, he keeps driven, keeps hungry — I think he is a great asset to have.”

Rashford’s path back to Old Trafford has been anything but straightforward. The 28-year-old had publicly expressed a desire for a new challenge, and former head coach Ruben Amorim stripped him of the No.10 shirt — handing it to Matheus Cunha — before banishing him from first-team training entirely. Barcelona declined the opportunity to sign him for £26 million this summer, and Rashford himself rejected proposed moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The appointment of Michael Carrick as manager has helped thaw relations, and Rashford now appears set to remain at the club where he has made 428 appearances across all competitions.

Maguire, who has endured his own difficult periods at United, offered a broader defence of Rashford’s record. “Marcus has had a wonderful career for this club,” he said. “When you play at this club for numerous years, there’s going to be bad seasons, and when the bad seasons come everyone piles on you. Marcus has been part of a rough ride for Manchester United, and when that happens and the team doesn’t deliver, players get dug out. I’ve been through it. Everyone’s been through it at this club.”

Whether Sunday’s performance represents a genuine fresh start or a temporary reprieve will depend largely on Rashford himself — a point Maguire was careful not to gloss over.