Man Utd to prioritise new contract for Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford hasn’t been in the best of form lately for Manchester United, but that’s unlikely to stop the club from prioritising a new contract for him in the summer.

Rashford’s current deal at Old Trafford expires in the summer of 2023, although United do have the option to extend by a further 12 months.

ESPN write that United fully intend to activate that clause, ensuring they don’t allow the England international to run close to the end of his deal like Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard.

Both are out of contract this summer and have shown no inclination to ink fresh terms. Pogba’s been continually linked with a move to Real Madrid, as well as a return to former club Juventus, but he and his agent Mino Raiola have kept their cards close to their chest.

Similarly, Lingard is in no rush to decide where he’ll be playing his football next season, though his decision to wait things out is linked to his lack of first-team football.

As for Rashford, playing time is no issue at all – it’s his recent form that has instead been of concern.

The 24-year-old was widely criticised for his decision-making and perceived lack of effort in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup, and that led to interim boss Ralf Rangnick being put on the spot after the game about his levels of performance.

“Actually I don’t know. I think he’s trying hard,” Rangnick said when asked why Rashford was struggling. “In training he was doing well in the last couple of days, that’s why he was quite rightly in the starting XI.

“Of course it would be good, for example, for Marcus if he could score a goal but as long as he’s trying, as long as he’s training well I don’t see that much of a problem.”

Rashford has even posted on social media recently to reaffirm his commitment to United, having been frustrated with the growing criticism aimed towards him.

“I read something earlier that said I’d been quiet on [Twitter] but what can I say that will make this better other than showing you all on the pitch?” Rashford posted. “We’ve been disappointed with recent performances and we’ve been as disappointed with the news coverage questioning our commitment to not only the manager and coaching staff but the club.

“I have endless respect for both and I’m looking forward to bettering my game under the staff at Manchester United. I’m not sulking, I’m not unhappy, am I disappointed in some of my recent performances? Of course I am. I’m my own biggest critic.

“It’s been a tough start but I’m determined to prove my worth. My dedication and my desire to be here should never have been in question. I love this club.”