Marcus Rashford: Harry Maguire believes Man Utd team-mate can improve side

The disappointment was Rashford’s return coincided with what Maguire accepted was Manchester United’s “worst” pre-season performance, a week before their Premier League opener at Hull.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for the second game running, which would have made it 2-1 at half-time, although there were encouraging signs in his link-up play with Youri Tielemans as both completed the full 90 minutes for the first time.

“We’re wanting to play much further up the pitch, be more aggressive and more on the front foot,” said Maguire.

“This was the only game where I didn’t feel we did ourselves justice in that aspect. We had a lot of high regains and created a lot of chances from that, but we didn’t sustain our pressure anywhere close to enough.”

In a long, five-week, six-match pre-season, Maguire took on the captain’s duties in the early games, when Fernandes was missing. That is an indicator he could be the vice-captain this season, although that is yet to be confirmed.

He also had some warm words for former boss Ruben Amorim.

Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo, who both fell out with Amorim, were on the other side of the pitch acknowledging supporters when the Portuguese saw some of his old players as they left the field post-presentation.

There were plenty of warm embraces for Amorim and his coaching staff.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport after the game, Amorim said: “I’m proud to have been at Manchester United and I still love Manchester United.”

He embraced journalists he remembered from his time in England, joked “do you miss me guys” and laughed that press conferences “are more boring” without him.

Maguire has nothing negative to say about Amorim’s 14 months in charge either.

“It was great to see him and all his staff,” he said.

“I got on with Ruben really well and all his staff. I am happy he has another chance to impress and show everyone what a great manager he is. I’m sure he’s going to be a success.

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“I have nothing bad to say about Ruben. It just didn’t work out at Manchester United.

“But he’s got a massive club now. I’ll be following them and hope they have an amazing season.”