Manchester United enjoyed a stellar second half to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League yesterday.
Marcus Rashford made an emotional return to the Theatre of Dreams after more than 600 days away.
He was handed a starting role on the left wing and looked sharp throughout an encouraging comeback performance.
Harry Maguire was full of praise for Rashford after the final whistle.
He said (via Daily Mail): “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.
“He’s a great talent. You’ve seen that he’s always a threat. I think today, I think he was a constant threat constantly, and I think he could still do a lot more and I think he’ll say that he can do more.
“I think if we keep him fit, we keep him happy, he keeps driven, keeps hungry, and I think he is a great asset to have.”
Rashford will play a key part this season
Head coach Michael Carrick made the bold decision to bring Rashford back into the fold after Barcelona opted against making his loan move permanent.
United would likely have pushed harder to recruit another winger this summer had Barcelona completed a permanent deal for Rashford.
At one stage, it seemed almost impossible that the 28-year-old would ever pull on the famous red shirt again after being sent on loan to Aston Villa in January 2025.
Eighteen months later, Rashford is back at Old Trafford and suddenly looks set to play a major role.
The England international knows the club inside out, having climbed through the academy ranks at Carrington.
He has already made more than 400 appearances for United and has 138 goals to his name.
Rashford announced his return with an electric display from the very first whistle against Ipswich.
The forward repeatedly took on defenders with confidence and caused problems every time he attacked the final third.
He could easily have finished the afternoon with two assists after producing clever passes for Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, only for both forwards to squander their opportunities.
His determination to chase down the ball and win it back sparked a huge reaction from the Old Trafford crowd, who rose to applaud him when he was substituted in the second half.
There had been plenty of doubts over whether Rashford would receive a warm welcome on his return.
However, the United faithful appear to have welcomed him back with open arms and now hope that he can fulfil the enormous potential he has shown throughout his career.
Stats from Fotmob.com
