Man United will offer contract to "elite" forward - he's central to Ten Hag's plans

Man United are set to offer Marcus Rashford a new long-term contract to remain at Old Trafford, according to new reports.

Rashford's current deal expires next summer, with some Red Devils fans surprised that the club have not yet tied down one of their main assets to a new contract.

But that all appears set to change.

The Daily Mail are reporting that United are set to offer fresh terms to the 25-year-old.

Because of his current contract situation, Rashford is free to talk to foreign clubs on January 1 and arrange a pre-contract agreement.

That means United will have to act relatively quickly to secure his future before that date, especially with Rashford away with England at the World Cup if selected in Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad.

But the same source claims that the forward does want to stay at Old Trafford, despite talks with PSG over a potential move last summer.

What has Erik ten Hag said about Marcus Rashford?

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has been full of praise for Rashford, after giving him increased responsibility this season.

The 25-year-old has regularly operated at centre forward this term, in comparison to previous campaigns where he often playing on the left side of attack.

Rashford has rewarded his manager's faith with four goals and two assists in 12 games - including the winning goal in the 1-0 victory over West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

In addition, the England international won the Premier League Player of the Month award for September.

Speaking after the West Ham victory, Ten Hag told reporters (quotes via The Guardian): "He already is [elite], if you score 100 for Manchester United before you are 25.

"But it's about trophies to win with your club, and I think he can develop even more.

"Two headers [in two games]. We've worked a lot on that, we had to improve, and you see what's happening.

"He is much more consistent and resilient - already a great player, but still room for improvement. Where [his career] will end, who knows? But I am sure it will be great.

"The header was a hammer from Marcus. It's so great as a player out of the academy, a striker gets his 100th goal on the 85th anniversary [of a United academy player being in every matchday squad], so he is really representing Man United."

Rashford has been impressive so far this season - and Ten Hag and United fans will hope that the club can tie him down to a new deal so he can create many more special moments in a Red Devils shirt.