Man Utd planning to tie down "outstanding" player to new contract

Manchester United are planning to trigger a 12-month extension in Marcus Rashford's contract to prevent him from agreeing a deal with a foreign club in January.

Rashford's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season but United hold an option to extend his deal by a further year.

The 25-year-old has been a standout player for Erik ten Hag's side this season, scoring eight goals in 19 appearances.

He also impressed at the World Cup, scoring three times for England before they were eliminated by France at the quarter-final stage.

Ten Hag has hailed Rashford as one of the best attackers in world football, comparing the forward to PSG and France striker Kylian Mbappe.

"From the first moment, I recognised huge potential," said Ten Hag.

"When Marcus is on the back of the defending line, there is almost no better player in the world. It's really difficult to stop him.

"There is Mbappe in this moment. When he (Rashford) is getting in that position, he's great and he's really improved."

PSG interested in Rashford

Rashford is yet to commit his long-term future to United and is being touted as a potential replacement for Mbappe at PSG, if they French star leaves the Parc des Princes.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed last week that talks have taken place with Rashford's agents over a possible move to the Ligue 1 club.

According to the Daily Mail, United will trigger a 12-month extension on Rashford's contract before the end of the month if they cannot persuade the 25-year-old to sign a new deal.

This would prevent him from negotiating a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January 1.

However, this would only keep Rashford at Old Trafford until the summer of 2024, when he would then be able to move on a free transfer.

Ten Hag: Rashford is happy

Ten Hag is desperate to keep hold of Rashford, who has managed 101 goals in 322 games for United since making his first-team debut in 2016.

"He has to make a decision," said Ten Hag in response to PSG's reported interest in Rashford, who was described as "outstanding" and "underrated" by his England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold during the World Cup.

"We can only show him that this is the best club to be in.

"It has to do with the culture of the club, but also in the way we are working together. It has to do with the way we play and the way we train. Are we offering the right environment to progress further?”

Ten Hag added: "Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington and left with a smile.

"From the first moment, it was a joy to work with him. I believe he is happy."