Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a turnaround of form under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
He looked to have sunk back into his last-season-self in the two losses to Brighton and Brentford after a solid summer that had seen him net three times in pre-season. However, important goals against Liverpool and Arsenal have sparked a revival that has put Rashford ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre-forward pecking order.
As a result, the United star seems on the brink of another England call-up after failing to get back into the Three Lions squad since the Euro 2020 final. Ten Hag could have easily dropped the 24-year-old after his poor start to the campaign but his trust in Rashford is paying dividends.
READ MORE: Manchester United set to extend five players' contracts
It proves the United manager can get the big decisions right when they matter, and this will translate into the boardroom. Rashford’s contract expires in June and there were questions around his future at Old Trafford.
However, Ten Hag made his intentions very clear last week when asked whether he’d like to keep the striker beyond this date. “Definitely,” he stated, adding: "(By June) I don't think he is out of contract, I think United control the situation."
The Dutchman has now followed up on his intentions, with Rashford among five players in line to be handed extensions by the club. It shows Ten Hag is having the impact United need with the club's hierarchy — a board that has often led the way in transfer negotiations amid disjointed relationships with previous managers.
This was evidenced before by Ten Hag blocking the loan exit of Shola Shoretire and his decision to sign players he'd previously had a connection with, but the Rashford contract decision demonstrates that his influence with the hierarchy has taken a step up and is growing. It could be a crucial factor in January post-World Cup when Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is sure to be cast into doubt once again.
Ten Hag had his say in the transfer market and he’s now got a firm hand on contract opportunities too, both of which are necessary in the rebuild project.
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