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Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are in “control” when it comes to Marcus Rashford’s future, adding that the forward is “happier” with his place at the club.
The England international was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain over the off-season following a difficult 2021-22 campaign, where he scored just five times in 32 games across all competitions.
But with three goals and two assists in the first six games of the new Premier League season, the 24-year-old looks to have rediscovered both the best of his abilities and his satisfaction with life at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s United contract expires at the end of the current campaign, but with United set to start their Europa League campaign against Real Sociedad this week, manager Ten Hag says the club have his future in hand, given they have the option to extend his contract by a year.
“Definitely,” the Dutchman stated when asked if the forward was in his long-term plans. “I don’t think he is out of contract – I think United control the situation.
“It’s difficult for me to talk about the past. What I see is a happy Marcus Rashford. We worked really hard the last two months with him on different aspects. He likes it, he wants to transfer it to the pitch.
“He comes in every day, he enjoys it, he’s smiling, [he has] a really positive vibe. If you put all of those things together and you are happy, you will contribute more to the team.”
Rashford’s role as a centre-forward has kept Cristiano Ronaldo out of the starting line-up the past four games for United, with the Portuguese star benched alongside captain Harry Maguire.
Quizzed on whether a return could be on the cards for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ten Hag acknowledged the veteran forward is fit to feature from the off, while discussing plans to rotate his squad for their European schedule.
“He started against Brentford, then not since, but he is ready to start,” added Ten Hag.
“Of course [he can start for the majority of games]. We have to win every game. We want to win every tournament, so we take everything seriously.
“We not only have a team, we have a squad, but we have to win every game and that is the mentality Manchester United needs.”
Ten Hag acknowledged his approach may not keep all of the big names in his squad satisfied, but says his players will get a chance to shine, providing they earn their place.
“Maybe I can not keep them all happy every game, but everyone gets the game time if they perform well, [it is] quite clear,” he added. “We need everyone, we have a lot of games to cover.”
