Manchester United view Marcus Rashford as integral to everything they are building under Erik ten Hag, who recently confirmed getting the England forward to extend is a “priority”. Rashford is the top scorer in Europe’s big five leagues since the World Cup with 16 goals – six more than Erling Haaland.
Talks have already started on a new long-term deal and Manchester United are much calmer about the situation than over the summer. Back then Rashford was a bit more unsettled, coming off the back of a season where he scored just four Premier League goals.
Rashford met with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi over the summer and the French champions retain an interest. But even then PSG always felt staying at Old Trafford was Rashford’s preference and were fearful they were being used as leverage.
On this form, Rashford could have his pick of clubs, but I am told he wants to stay at Manchester United. It’s a bit like the Harry Kane situation: the desire is to extend but there’s an element of watching how the project develops, too. That’s why Manchester United’s form, and recovery after their poor start to the season, has been so important.
Rashford is thriving under Ten Hag and if Manchester United qualify for the Champions League, which is looking very likely, he has absolutely no reason to leave.
No deal is imminent right now but more talks will take place over the coming months and it wouldn’t surprise me if things move quite quickly. Manchester United won’t create uncertainty, or delay, just because a new owner might be incoming. The budget is there now to proceed.
Furthermore, both Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe view keeping Rashford as essential. It was the same with Todd Boehly and Reece James. Even before the American came in at Chelsea, he knew renewing James was vital.
A lot may change if Manchester United get new outright owners, but one constant is both the Glazers and the two bidders to go public know extending Rashford’s contract and building a team around him is paramount.
Sources close to Sheikh Jassim have also stressed the importance of investing in youth, and Rashford’s rise from Manchester United’s academy is seen as something they want to make more commonplace, just like when the so-called Class of ’92 thrived.
Meanwhile, Ratcliffe says he’s keen to put “the…
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