MAKING HIS MARC: Maguire backs Rashford for Man Utd star after return from Barcelona spell and declares - 'He is going to help us'

Harry Maguire says that the Manchester United dressing room want Marcus Rashford to stay at the club following his return to the first team.

Rashford had not made a competitive appearance for United since the fixture against Viktoria Plzen back in December 2024 prior to this weekend and was expected to join Barcelona permanently this summer after signing for them on loan last year. However, the Spanish giants declined to trigger an option to sign the England star permanently.

With no other agreement in place for a transfer, Rashford has been left in limbo this summer with some suggesting he could now be reintegrated at Old Trafford by Michael Carrick.

The attacker featured for 30 minutes as a substitute in Saturday's pre-season friendly defeat against AC Milan while wearing the No 9 shirt, further fuelling speculation that there could yet be another chapter in his Manchester United story.

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And Maguire made it clear that he and his team-mates hope the United academy graduate will still be a red when the transfer window closes. “He can improve us for sure,” the 33-year-old told The Athletic. “I think you have seen when he came on (against Milan), he threatens the back line really well. He could have even scored for us today.

“He’s a huge threat to have in your team, if he’s going to stay with us. Obviously the transfer window is still open, but we hope as players that he stays and he’s a big asset to have.

“I’ve played with Marcus for numerous years and I know that from playing against him, and playing with him in training, he is going to help us.”

Rashford enjoyed a fine season in Spain, accumulating 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions for Barca.

Carrick knows all about Rashford's quality having worked with the attacker both as a player and a coach during his previous spells at United.

He hinted earlier this week that he was working on the basis Rashford was staying put, saying: “He's our player and he's come back great. He's just like any other player.

“I've known Marcus a long time and he gives us something a little bit different. And he's been in great spirits since he's been back. He's been back two or three days training and it's just pretty normal, to be honest. And we're looking forward to the start of the season.”

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