Manchester United reportedly want to tie Marcus Rashford down on a new deal before the January transfer window opens - when clubs are allowed to tempt him with offers.
The 25-year-old forward is out of contract next June and while the Red Devils can trigger a one-year extension clause and delay the issue until further down the line, Erik ten Hag sees Rashford as central to his long-term plans at Old Trafford. After the United academy graduate scored his 100th senior goal for the club on Sunday, it's emerged that Ten Hag wants to have Rashford's immediate future confirmed before January 1.
The Red Devils boss had been keen to wait until the season pauses for the World Cup later this month before making any decisions out-of-contract players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea and Diogo Dalot and Fred. But it now appears that Ten Hag has already made up his mind when it comes to Rashford's situation and wants to accelerate his strategy.
According to The Mail, United are poised to either offer their No.10 a new deal or activate the extension on his current £200,000-a-week contract in order to prevent any potential suitors from entering talks. The Bosman ruling allows players who're out of contract within the next six months to sign pre-contract agreements, a ploy which clubs could seek to use in a bid to snap Rashford up on a free transfer.
With the star now likely to be representing England at the World Cup in Qatar in less than three weeks' time, it may be difficult for Old Trafford chiefs to wrap up a deal unless they act fast. Fortunately, it's added in the report that Rashford is keen to stay at his boyhood club, who he's been with since the age of seven.
Yet it was only three months ago when claims emerged that the Mancunian icon's entourage had held a secretive meeting with Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital, fuelling speculation surrounding a possible departure. Now, though, Rashford appears to be firmly part of Ten Hag's plans, having admitted to struggling mentally last season, as he endured an injury-hit campaign under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and inter boss Ralf Rangnick.
Have your say! Does Rashford deserve a new contract at Man Utd? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
"I struggled at times last season — more mental things, not my own performance. It was other things off the pitch. Too often last season I wasn't in the right head space," he told Sky Sports after heading in a decisive goal during the Red Devils' 1-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. "I need to be scoring a few more headers. For me it is about getting in the areas and goals will come."
Post-match, Ten Hag heaped praise on Rashford's performances this term, having already bettered his goal tally from the entirety of last season. "He already is [an elite player]," the United manager stated. "If you score 100 for Manchester United before you are 25. But it's about trophies to win with your club, and I think he can develop even more.
"Two headers [in consecutive games]: we've worked a lot on that, we had to improve, and you see what's happening. He is much more consistent and resilient – already a great player but still room for improvement. Where it will end [his career] who knows, but I am sure it will be great."
