Erik ten Hag obsessed about Marcus Rashford renewal

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly “pushing hard” to get star forward Marcus Rashford to commit his long-term future to Manchester United.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly determined to secure a new contract for 25-year-old England international Marcus Rashford, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Dutchman views it as an “obsession” behind the scenes and is “pushing” the United board to get the deal over the line as early as possible.

It was reported earlier this week that Manchester United had activated one-year extension clauses in the contracts of Rashford, Fred, Diogo Dalot, and Luke Shaw, but Romano insists that ten Hag is leaving no stone unturned in his attempt to tie Rashford down to a new long-term contract.

The Dutch manager wants the 25-year-old to stay at Old Trafford, as he sees him as a “big part” of the club’s plans moving forward. Ten Hag is a big fan of the England international and wants to keep him at all costs. A fresh meeting will take place soon to offer the forward a long-term contract.

Last season saw Rashford struggle under the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, as he managed just four goals and only two assists in the league, with Manchester United finishing sixth in the Premier League table.

However, he has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season after scoring eight goals in all competitions for Ten Hag’s side to become the club’s main talisman and goal-getter. He was also England’s joint-top scorer at the World Cup, netting three times.

Considering he has already matched last season’s goals and assists tally in the league this term, it’s safe to say Ten Hag is getting the best out of him at the moment.

From a player who was low on confidence and out of the reckoning with England to regaining his swagger and shining on the global stage, it has been some turnaround in form and fortune for Rashford, who is back performing at his peak levels and looks like a man possessed.

While the player deserves the most of the credit and plaudits, it’s also a testament to Ten Hag’s brilliant man-management skills. Add to that PSG’s long-term interest in Rashford, and there could be some nerves over the situation.

Furthermore, fans may well be delighted that the 25-year-old is part of his manager’s plans, as he enjoys working with and nurturing younger talents like Rashford. However, his future at Old Trafford remains in doubt, with Rashford’s current contract due to expire in 2024, including the one-year extension.

There have been fears that the Englishman’s head could be turned by a mega-money offer to join up with Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain. Some reports have even stated that Rashford’s representatives met with the French champions in August, while president Nasser Al-Khelaifi himself confirmed they would be interested in a deal to sign him during the World Cup.

But at least for now, it looks like things are heading in the right direction, with Ten Hag desperate for the Academy graduate to spend his prime years at the Theater of Dreams as he looks to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.