Marcus Rashford’s contract negotiations with Manchester United are expected to move quickly in order to secure a new, long-term agreement that will keep him at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.
Rashford’s current contract is slated to expire at the end of next season after United triggered a one-year extension in December of last year. Rashford has scored 27 goals in 44 appearances for the Red Devils this season.
The Athletic claims that United are currently putting all of its efforts into keeping their top player before the possibility of losing him in a free agency rears its ugly head.
Early talks between United and Rashford’s representatives have already taken place, and more are scheduled, although no significant progress has been made.
“Sources on both sides claim that the process is still in its early stages. It is agreed upon by both parties that this will be Rashford’s largest and most significant contract.
The Glazer family’s impending sale of United is not viewed as impeding the talks with Rashford, nor is the fact that United is also renegotiating numerous important contracts.
United is also eager to decide the futures of Luke Shaw, David de Gea, Fred, and Diogo Dalot in addition to the Englishman.
The Athletic reports that De Gea’s position is currently the most urgent. The club is attempting to negotiate a new contract with the Spaniard on terms that are much less favorable than his rumored weekly salary of £375,000 ($460,000).
“United is seeking to move forward with Rashford’s deal even if the De Gea negotiations are the most pressing concern right now. The pace of the negotiations is expected to increase over the coming months, according to sources with knowledge of the talks who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships.
Club insiders claim that there is a lot of willingness on all sides to reach a compromise and that there is hope that an agreement can be reached.
Rashford has reportedly dabbled with joining a different club on occasion, according to Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell. As a deal was being contemplated, his representatives spoke with Barcelona four years ago.
During negotiations with Paris St. Germain over the summer, it’s thought that the Parisian club offered a salary of more than £400,000 per week.
All of this was known to United, so communication was open and honest. Rashford, who is even constructing an eco-friendly home in Cheshire, chose to stay at United, nevertheless.
People close to Rashofrd have discussed the optimism surrounding the team and player and have mentioned how much Ten Hag has helped turn things around, continuing Whitwell and Critchley.
The following few months, to which The Athletic alludes, will be crucial. It would be inconceivable for Rashford to continue playing for United after the upcoming season as he hits his prime. The challenge for the club will be to strike a careful balance between compensating their finest player financially and taking care not to put too much strain on the wage budget, which last season was £384 million.