Marcus Rashford told straight by Man Utd team-mate after
Marcus Rashford's prospects of forcing his way back into the Manchester United first team have received a significant boost after one of his longest-standing team-mates publicly voiced support for his return. The 28-year-old is expected to report back to Old Trafford later this summer following an impressive loan stint at Barcelona.
The England international enjoyed one of the finest campaigns of his recent career in Spain, playing a key role in helping the Catalan club clinch La Liga while contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. Barcelona had been widely tipped to pursue a permanent arrangement, but instead chose to splash £70million on Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, leaving Rashford's long-term future shrouded in uncertainty.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The academy product's standing at United deteriorated under former manager Ruben Amorim, who cast him aside after the forward openly admitted he was "ready for a new challenge" away from the club he has supported since childhood. However, Harry Maguire believes Rashford is deserving of the opportunity to make a fresh start under new permanent head coach Michael Carrick.
Asked whether he and his fellow squad members would welcome Rashford back wholeheartedly, the United defender told The Rest Is Football: "Yeah, of course, I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and have had some great times with him over the years. I know what a wonderful player he can be. I'm sure it's up to the club and up to Marcus to find a mutual agreement
"Of course, if Marcus does come back, we want him to come back and play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club, but everyone knows what a great player Marcus can be for whatever club he plays for next season."
Maguire's position stands in marked opposition to that of United icon Paul Scholes, who previously called on his former side to "banish" Rashford following his contentious comments. "I think Marcus has let a lot of people down really, with his attitude, and I think that's what the manager is trying to say," Scholes told The Overlap Fan Debate.
"OK, he's not refusing to play, but in the way he's behaving and the way he's training, in a way he is saying I don't want to be involved with these. So I think the fact of letting your team-mates down in that dressing room – he should be banished from the dressing room really. If he's in and around that and young people are seeing that as an example, the sooner he's gone the better."
Rashford's notorious remarks reportedly infuriated a number of United squad members – especially given they emerged merely days after the club secured a memorable derby triumph over Manchester City in December 2024. "Some of the players are really annoyed at what Marcus said and why he chose to say it at the time," a source close to the squad told The Sun.
"They were all buzzing after beating City and then he basically put in a transfer request after being dropped for one game."
The Manchester-born star still has two years remaining on his reported £325,000 per week deal and is anticipated to return to Old Trafford following England's World Cup campaign.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy