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Maguire “hopes” wantaway Man United star stays as defender highlights “huge threat”
Aug 16 2026 14:48 · By onefootball.com · 16 Reads
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On Saturday, in a pre-season 4-2 loss to AC Milan, Marcus Rashford made his first appearance for Manchester United 611 days after his last.
Rashford’s last United outing came in a 1-0 Europa League group-stage victory against Viktoria Plzeň on 12 December 2024. Days later, the attacker and former United head coach Ruben Amorim suffered a falling-out that saw United exile him from the squad.
He then joined Aston Villa on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 season before switching to Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan. At Barcelona, Rashford proved a massive hit, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 appearances for the Spanish champions.
Yet the Catalan giants strangely chose not to trigger the £26 million bargain option to make his deal permanent.
No serious transfer interest
Rashford now finds himself back at M16. No European heavyweight is currently trying to sign him, while INEOS stand ready to block any move to a direct rival.
Stay or leave
There is a chance that Rashford stays. Suggestions persist, however, that United would probably allow him to leave should a top European club come in for him. Uncertainty therefore still surrounds the attacker’s situation.
While that uncertainty lingers, Harry Maguire has explained why it would be better if Rashford stays.
Maguire verdict
“Obviously the transfer window is still open,” Maguire said, as reported by the BBC after the defeat to Ruben Amorim’s Milan.
“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.” At this stage, having failed to complete that left-winger signing, it makes clear sense for United to hold on to Rashford.
His form last season and his bright cameo against Milan both hinted at the danger he could still pose to rivals in United colours.
As ambitious as United are in their desire to return to the top, they can certainly achieve that with Rashford in the side. He simply makes them stronger as a team.