Harry Maguire believes Marcus Rashford can prove a genuine asset for Manchester United this season, following a promising return to the starting lineup in Sunday's 5-2 win over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
Rashford made his first Premier League start for United in 21 months in that victory, causing problems for Ipswich's defense throughout the match. His future at the club had looked uncertain after a breakdown in his relationship with former head coach Ruben Amorim led to loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. The Spanish club held an option to sign him permanently for £26m but chose not to activate it, paving the way for his return to Manchester ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Maguire spoke highly of the forward's qualities and potential contribution going forward. "He's a great talent," the defender said. "He's always a threat. If Marcus wants to be here, wants to work, wants to improve and help the team, of course we're willing to have him in the team."
The centre-back added that Rashford still has room to grow. "He could still do a lot more and I think he'll say he can do more but if we keep him fit, we keep him happy, he keeps driven and hungry, he's a great asset to have."
Rashford has faced criticism in recent years over his work ethic and commitment, scrutiny that intensified during Erik ten Hag's tenure. However, his time away from Old Trafford working under Unai Emery and Hansi Flick is believed to have benefited him, and his existing relationship with current head coach Michael Carrick is seen as another positive factor in his reintegration.
Maguire, who himself endured a difficult period at the club after losing his place and the captaincy under ten Hag, offered context for the criticism Rashford has received. "You've got to remember Marcus has had a wonderful career for this club," he said. "But 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. That's part and parcel of playing for this club."
He continued: "As a club, we haven't been perfect from top to bottom. We haven't been challenging at the top end. So, Marcus has been part of a rough ride for Manchester United. When that happens, players get dug out. I've been through it. He's come back in, really fit and sharp and we're excited to have him."
Also making his first appearance of the season against Ipswich was midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who grew into the contest after United fell behind early on. Maguire was full of praise for the young Englishman's showing, despite limited pre-season minutes. "I thought he was brilliant. To say he hasn't had many minutes in pre-season, he was magnificent," Maguire said, highlighting Mainoo's defensive improvement under Carrick. "He's becoming a real monster in there, wins a lot of second balls and a lot of duels."
Maguire suggested Mainoo, who was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad, has the temperament to overcome setbacks. "He's really level-headed, really composed and has great belief in his ability. He's going to be a magnificent player for this club for many years."
Elsewhere, with Rashford's future resolved, Joshua Zirkzee now appears the most likely senior departure before the window shuts. A planned loan to Fiorentina has fallen through, though interest from Juventus could resurface depending on Jonathan David's proposed move to Atletico Madrid. Carrick did not rule out further squad changes before the deadline, saying, "It's always difficult to say, to be honest, when there's so little time left but we're always open if there's something else to be able to add. I wouldn't shut that down, but as it stands, we'll have to wait and see."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.