Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United this summer after an 18-month exile, with a significant boost from teammate Harry Maguire who has publicly backed the forward's reintegration into the first team. Rashford, 28, spent the season on loan at Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists as the Catalan club won La Liga. Despite expectations of a permanent move, Barcelona instead signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million, leaving Rashford's future uncertain.
Maguire's Support for Rashford's Return
Harry Maguire, speaking on The Rest Is Football, expressed his desire to see Rashford back at Old Trafford. "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," Maguire said. "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."
Scholes' Criticism and Squad Reaction
Maguire's stance contrasts sharply with United legend Paul Scholes, who called for Rashford to be "banished" after the forward admitted he was "ready for a new challenge." Scholes told The Overlap Fan Debate: "I think Marcus has let a lot of people down really, with his attitude... the sooner he's gone the better." Rashford's comments reportedly upset several United players, coming just days after a derby win over Manchester City in December 2024. A source told The Sun: "Some of the players are really annoyed at what Marcus said and why he chose to say it at the time. They were all buzzing after beating City and then he basically put in a transfer request after being dropped for one game."
Contract and Future Prospects
Rashford remains under contract with United for another two years, earning £325,000 per week. He is expected to rejoin newly appointed permanent head coach Michael Carrick's squad after England's World Cup campaign, unless a transfer materialises. The forward's relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim soured after his public declaration, leading to his exile in the "bomb squad."
