Harry Maguire has welcomed Marcus Rashford back into the Manchester United fold, praising the forward's application since resuming first-team duties after a lengthy absence from Old Trafford's starting lineup.
Rashford started for United for the first time in 20 months during Sunday's 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town. The 26-year-old had been frozen out under former manager Ruben Amorim before spending time away on loan, first at Aston Villa and then at Barcelona. Rashford's stint in Catalonia ended without a permanent move materializing, as Barcelona opted against exercising their £26m purchase option despite the forward's reported desire to remain in La Liga.
Speaking about Rashford's reintegration into the squad, Maguire outlined how the player has approached his return with the right mentality. "It's been really good since he came in. 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 United captain said.
Maguire pointed to Rashford's performance against Ipswich as evidence of his enduring quality, noting the forward looked dangerous throughout the match. "He's a great talent. You've seen that he's always a threat. I think [against Ipswich], he was a threat constantly, and I think he could still do a lot more and I think he'll say that he can do more," Maguire explained. He added that maintaining Rashford's fitness and motivation would be key to unlocking his best form going forward, describing him as "a great asset to have" provided he stays "fit," "happy" and "hungry."
The defender also reflected on the difficult period Rashford endured following his standout 2022-23 campaign, in which the forward netted a career-high 30 goals. The subsequent 18 months proved far tougher, with Rashford becoming a target for criticism as United's collective struggles continued. Maguire, who has himself faced intense scrutiny during his time at the club, empathized with what Rashford went through.
"You've got to remember that Marcus has had a wonderful career for this club as well," Maguire said. "Like 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." He continued by acknowledging that United's inconsistent form across the squad has made it difficult for any individual player to shine consistently, contrasting the current situation with the club's more successful eras. "We haven't been perfect from top to bottom and we haven't been challenging at the top end when you're winning Premier Leagues year after year after year," he said, adding that in such environments "it's easy as a player to mingle into that group and play well."
Maguire suggested that Rashford became an easy target during United's rougher patches, saying, "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 and he was one of them at that stage. I've been through it. Everyone's been through it at this club."
Looking ahead, Maguire expressed optimism about what Rashford can offer following his time away, noting visible improvements in his physical condition. "He's come back, he's trained over the summer you can tell and he's come back really fit, sharp and we're excited to have him and hopefully he can chip in with goals," Maguire concluded.
Based on reporting from The Independent.