Man Utd deal confirmed as ‘top priority’ after Ten Hag gets tough; talks over three further agreements ‘progressing’
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed which deal is the ‘top priority’ at Man Utd and David Ornstein offered an update their fans will love, while three further agreements are reportedly taking shape,
The Red Devils maintained their outsider’s push for the league title on Sunday when sinking Leicester 3-0. The Foxes could’ve and perhaps should’ve taken the lead in the first half, though their profligacy in front of goal was not matched by Marcus Rashford.
The United frontman was again deployed up front with Wout Weghorst operating as a No 10. The tactical tweak worked wonders with the red-hot Rashford scoring his 15th and 16th goals since the World Cup.
The 25-year-old took his season tally to 24 across all competitions. That figure already represents his greatest single-season goals return ever and United could still have around 25 games to play pending their progress in the cups.
Rashford was among a cluster of players who saw one-year options in their deals activated over Christmas. He’s under contract to the summer of 2024, though United strongly hope he’ll extend his stay far beyond.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday a Rashford extension is the ‘top priority’ at Old Trafford right now.
Erik ten Hag and co. reportedly ‘insist’ progress be made and David Ornstein has provided a positive update on that front.
Writing for the Athletic, Ornstein reported initial talks have already taken place and ‘more are planned’.
One slight concern centred around the current uncertainty regarding a potential takeover of the club. The Glazers have put up the for sale sign and bids from Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and British businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been received.
Clubs facing uncertain futures off the field often shelve new contract talks, something Chelsea notably did during the time Roman Abramovich was selling up in mid-2022.
However, Ornstein added United’s potential takeover will not effect Rashford’s contract negotiations. On the contrary, the club have already budgeted for several new extensions and Rashford is the one they crave most.
Three more Man Utd deals ‘progressing’
Aside from Rashford, Romano added talks ‘will continue’ over a new deal for right-back Diogo Dalot very shortly.
Ornstein namechecked Dalot too, but also claimed David de Gea and Luke Shaw are in line for extensions as well.
The trusted journalist added talks with the trio are ‘progressing’.
Dalot and Shaw saw the one-year options in their deals triggered at the same time as Rashford. As such, they’re under contract until the summer of 2024 too.
However, United opted against triggering De Gea’s option in favour of attempting to forge a brand new deal from scratch.
If Ornstein is correct, United’s decision looks like it’ll be vindicated.
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