Rashford receives Man Utd transfer plea after making return in heavy loss

Updated: 16 Aug 2026 16:57 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Harry Maguire says he hopes Marcus Rashford will stay at Manchester United because he is a “big asset” for the club.

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Rashford made his first appearance for the Red Devils since December 2024 in Saturday’s heavy loss to AC Milan in Poland.

The 28-year-old was a second-half substitute as United were beaten 4-2 by their old boss Ruben Amorim, who is now in charge of the Italian side.

A fine second-half turnaround to end pre-season 👏 pic.twitter.com/4H8adkcvmS
— AC Milan (@acmilan) August 15, 2026

The result has drawn concern from some quarters of the United fanbase, who fear manager Michael Carrick is short of numbers ahead of the new season.

United have signed just three senior players so far this summer, with Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow all arriving at Old Trafford.

And now Maguire is keen for Rashford to stay put, saying the forward is a “huge threat” who “improves the team”.

In quotes carried by BBC Sport, the defender said when asked about Rashford: “Obviously the transfer window is still open.

“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.”

Rashford had hoped to secure permanent move to Barcelona

There remains speculation over the future of Rashford after he publicly expressed his desire to join Barcelona on a permanent basis in April.

Rashford spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Camp Nou, helping the club retain their La Liga title by recording 14 goals and as many assists.

However, Hansi Flick’s side decided against triggering a €30million (£26m) option to turn the England winger’s loan into a permanent transfer.

Before joining Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, Rashford spent the remainder of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aston Villa.

He had been dropped from the United squad by then-manager Amorim before sealing his temporary switch to Villa Park.

Carrick's side, who travel to Hull City in their Premier League opener next Saturday, won three of their six pre-season fixtures - including the penalty shootout victory over Leeds United in Dublin.

Academy graduate Rashford has registered 138 goals and 79 assists in 426 appearances for United, winning six honours including two FA Cups, two League Cups and one Europa League.