Manchester United are yet to reward in-form forward Marcus Rashford with a new contract, with the England international still facing something of an uncertain future at Old Trafford.
What’s the word?
The 25-year-old currently has just over six months left on his existing deal with the Red Devils, albeit with Erik ten Hag and co having the option of triggering a one-year extension in order to avoid allowing the academy graduate to leave for nothing at the end of the season.
According to transfer insider Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – United will seemingly trigger that clause to extend the 49-cap gem’s deal at the club, with a longer-term contract still seemingly on the cards.
The respected source stated: “It’s all playing out nicely for both the club and for Rashford, to be honest. United want him to stay and they’re going to activate a clause that means he stays another year anyway.”
This follows a similar report from the Mirror which also claimed a lengthier deal could be in the works, with the electric talent – who was said to be valued at more than £120m in the summer – having been attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Ten Hag’s best business
Tying down Rashford for the foreseeable future has seemingly become something of a necessity as far as those at the Theatre of Dreams are concerned, with Ten Hag potentially able to strike his best deal yet if he can tempt the local lad to commit his future for the long haul.
The Three Lions star is no doubt hot property at present amid his scintillating World Cup displays of late, the explosive forward having scored three times in just three group-stage outings in Qatar thus far.
The £200k-per-week dynamo notably played a starring role in the triumph over Wales in the final group game earlier this week, firing in a brilliance brace in that 3-0 win including a stunning, dipping free-kick to set Gareth Southgate’s men on their way to victory.
Such showings on the global stage have come following what’s been an impressive start to the campaign at club level for the 5 foot 11 ace, having scored eight goals in just 19 appearances thus far, including crucial strikes against both Liverpool and Arsenal.
After a turbulent last year or so due to injury and a loss of form – with the Manchester-born sensation scoring only four league goals last season – the resurgent Rashford now simply looks “devastating”, in the words of pundit Rio Ferdinand, having finally found his way back to his best.
The United hierarchy will simply be desperate to keep hold of an asset who is truly making his mark at present, particularly with the club’s attacking options already depleted following the perhaps inevitable exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
While there has much talk of a new recruit to bolster the forward line – such as PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo – it could prove just as vital for Ten Hag to ensure that Rashford remains a part of his plans for years to come.
The former Ajax boss has worked his magic in the transfer market during his time in England thus far, although keeping hold of a home-grown and much-loved figure may well be just as important in the long term.