Harry Maguire has expressed his confidence that Marcus Rashford will be a vital asset for Manchester United this season, provided he maintains his drive and commitment.

Maguire stated that Rashford, who started his first Premier League match in 21 months in the recent victory over Ipswich, showcased his threat as an attacking player. The defender acknowledged that Rashford's tenure at the club has had its challenges, including a period where his future seemed uncertain and he was loaned out. However, with the transfer window now closed, Rashford is set to remain at his boyhood club.

"He's a great talent," Maguire said. "He's always a threat. If Marcus wants to be here, wants to work, wants to improve and help the team, of course we're willing to have him in the team. He could still do a lot more and I think he'll say he can do more but if we keep him fit, we keep him happy, he keeps driven and hungry, he's a great asset to have."

Maguire addressed the past negativity surrounding Rashford, noting that questions about his work-rate and enjoyment of the game have surfaced. He suggested that Rashford benefited from his loan spells and that coach Michael Carrick's familiarity with the player is an advantage.

"You've got to remember Marcus has had a wonderful career for this club," Maguire added. "But 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. That's part and parcel of playing for this club."

Maguire drew parallels to his own experience, where he also faced scrutiny and questions about his place at the club. "As a club, we haven't been perfect from top to bottom. We haven't been challenging at the top end. So, Marcus has been part of a rough ride for Manchester United. When that happens, players get dug out. I've been through it," he said.

"He's come back in, really fit and sharp and we're excited to have him." Maguire also commented on young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who also started against Ipswich and impressed Maguire. "I thought he was brilliant. To say he hasn't had many minutes in pre-season, he was magnificent. His work without the ball has improved so much since Michael's been in. He's becoming a real monster in there, wins a lot of second balls and a lot of duels. The thing is he's so young. If we want him to play for this club for another 10 years, there's going to be times where he's going to go through a patch like I spoke about with Rashy and myself. But that's part and parcel. He's really level-headed, really composed and has great belief in his ability. He's going to be a magnificent player for this club for many years."