Erik ten Hag delivers new Marcus Rashford contract update and reveals reason for new Manchester United form

Erik ten Hag has issued an update on Marcus Rashford's current contract situation ahead of Manchester United's Europa League fixture against Real Sociedad.

Marcus Rashford made headlines on Sunday as he scored two and assisted one in a brilliant match against Arsenal, with the Red Devils ending 3-1 victors over the North London side at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford has just entered the final year of his contract at Manchester United, although there is a clause in the current contract that allows United to extend his deal for a further year should they choose to.

Rashford was linked to French club PSG during the 2022 transfer window with it being reported that his representatives met PSG during the summer.

Marcus Rashford scoring against Arsenal. (Man Utd)

However, Rashford then ended speculation by committing his future to United for the foreseeable future.

When asked about the player's contract situation in his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag said a new contract is "definitely" in his long-term plans.

"I don't think he's out of contract and I think United control the situation," the manager confirmed.

Questioned further on the forward's good form recently compared to his form over the last two seasons, Ten Hag said: "It's difficult for me to talk about the past.

What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford," he continued. "We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch."

Ten Hag also explained why Rashford's fortunes have seemed to hit a turning point, citing happiness and hard work as key components to getting the English winger back to his best.

"It started with happiness, he [Rashford] comes in every day, he enjoys it, he's smiling, a really positive vibe, and if you put all of those things together - like the way of play - and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team."

Speaking more generally about his side's form, Ten Hag said he could see improvement

"The team is improving, it's getting better, but for the players that aren't in the team, they can come in at any moment and maybe do better than the players that are in," he explained. I know that you need more than 11 players. We have a really good bench."

Manchester United will kick off in the Europa League against Real Sociedad on Thursday evening.