Manchester United might have yet another busy transfer window this summer and Jose Mourinho has already started looking at players who can improve his side. He is also keeping an eye on his current players, some of who might be sold in the upcoming transfer window.
But a couple of players, who Mourinho deems are important to his squad, have been offered contract extensions and next in line is apparently Marcus Rashford.
United Open Rashford Contract Talks:
According to an exclusive from Star, Manchester United are worried about the future of one of their most exciting stars in Marcus Rashford. The English international, who is a crucial part of Gareth Southgate’s squad that is travelling to Russia later this year, hasn’t been able to cement a first team spot over a couple of seasons at Old Trafford and has been linked with an exit recently.
The likes of Real Madrid, PSG, and Barcelona are all interested in his services and it is understood that a bid in excess of £100m might be enough to lure him away. However, Star now claims that Mourinho is ready to offer a new deal to the youngster, that will more than double his wages and keep him at the club in the long run. So is this a smart move by United?
Rashford And His Struggles:
Having broken into the first team at Old Trafford under previous manager Louis van Gaal, the 20-year old has continued his goal scoring form but has not been used regularly enough this season in the domestic league. He has six goals and five assists, which is a decent return, in just 15 league starts and has been used as a backup to the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku.
At just 20, Rashford has already established himself in the English top flight and has picked up a habit of scoring in crunch games. Mourinho has used him against tough opponents to good effect and will not want to lose him any time soon.
Born and brought up in Manchester, Rashford is a local boy, who will not be happy to quit the Theatre of Dreams but unless Mourinho can offer him regular game time, it will not be easy for the club to retain him for years to come.
Will Rashford Sign The Deal?
Interest from top European clubs is hard to ignore. But Rashford’s hitch at the moment is the lack of regular game time, which will not change even with a move to Spain. The likes of Chelsea and PSG are also interested and Rashford could be a first-team star at either club, but only if they lose the likes of Eden Hazard and Neymar Jr respectively.
A move away from United does not guarantee Rashford regular playing time yet and at just 20, it is best for him to continue his development in his hometown.
A productive World Cup campaign will make him even more precious so offering him a new deal now is a smart move by The Red Devils.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored