Headline: Harry Maguire Encourages Marcus Rashford to Stay at Manchester United Amid Pre-Season Setbacks
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire expressed his desire for teammate Marcus Rashford to remain at Old Trafford, highlighting his potential to enhance the team. Rashford made his return as a second-half substitute during United’s 4-2 pre-season loss to AC Milan in Wroclaw, marking his first appearance since December 2024.
During the match, Rashford showcased his skills by the corner flag and nearly found the back of the net after receiving the number nine shirt from Michael Carrick. However, United officials clarified that this number is not being considered permanent, especially as striker Benjamin Sesko, who was expected to have that number this season, was sidelined due to injury.
This situation adds to the uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s future as the transfer deadline of September 1 approaches. While Carrick refrained from confirming Rashford’s stay last week, Maguire shared similar sentiments, wanting him to continue with the club.
“Obviously the transfer window is still open,” Maguire stated. “As players, we hope he stays because if he does, he is a big asset to have. He can improve us for sure.”
Maguire noted Rashford’s threat to opposing defenses, explaining, “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.”
However, Rashford’s comeback coincided with what Maguire described as Manchester United’s “worst” pre-season performance, just a week before their Premier League opener against Hull.
“We’re wanting to play much further up the pitch, be more aggressive and more on the front foot,” Maguire explained. “This was the only game where I didn’t feel we did ourselves justice in that aspect. We had a lot of high regains and created a lot of chances from that, but we didn’t sustain our pressure anywhere close to enough.”
Throughout a demanding five-week, six-match pre-season, Maguire took on captain responsibilities during the early fixtures in the absence of Fernandes. This suggests he may be in line for the vice-captain role this season, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire says he hopes Marcus Rashford will stay at Old Trafford because he can improve the team.
Rashford came on as a second-half substitute in his first game for United since December 2024 in the 4-2 pre-season defeat by AC Milan in Wroclaw.
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He produced one moment of skill by the corner flag and also came close to scoring after being given the number nine shirt by Michael Carrick.
United officials have stressed the number is not regarded as permanent on a day when striker Benjamin Sesko – who had been expected to take the nine shirt this season – was not available through injury.
However, even that underlines the uncertainty around Rashford’s future before the 1 September transfer deadline.
Carrick could not say last week whether the England forward will stay, and Maguire is equally unsure of his team-mate’s future. However, he wants him to remain at Old Trafford.
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“Obviously the transfer window is still open,” said Maguire.
“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.”
The disappointment was Rashford’s return coincided with what Maguire accepted was Manchester United’s “worst” pre-season performance, a week before their Premier League opener at Hull.
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“We’re wanting to play much further up the pitch, be more aggressive and more on the front foot,” said Maguire.
“This was the only game where I didn’t feel we did ourselves justice in that aspect. We had a lot of high regains and created a lot of chances from that, but we didn’t sustain our pressure anywhere close to enough.”
In a long, five-week, six-match pre-season, Maguire took on the captain’s duties in the early games, when Fernandes was missing. That is an indicator he could be the vice-captain this season, although that is yet to be confirmed.
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