Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag emphasizes that the club didn’t secure Marcus Rashford to a long-term contract with the intention of selling him during the upcoming summer.
Rashford signed a new deal until 2028 in July but his future at the club has become a hot topic.
“He should be part of this project,” said Ten Hag. “It is not a subject we talk about.”
Rashford has scored seven goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season.
“We did not sign him last season for five years with the intention to sell him now,” added Ten Hag.
Rashford, aged 26, has faced challenges both on and off the field this season. In January, Ten Hag disciplined him for unauthorized travel to Belfast, followed by an illness upon his return, impacting his training.
This blend of disciplinary issues and a decline in performance has sparked rumors of a potential departure from Old Trafford.
In the aftermath of Kylian Mbappe’s anticipated departure to Real Madrid, Rashford has been linked to Paris St-Germain on many occasions, despite United sources discounting the likelihood of an offer.
The rumor has gained validity, though, because United is aware that the Premier League’s financial regulations restrict their ability to make transfers. Selling a homegrown player would be the most advantageous method to make room because the full transfer fee would be recognized as pure profit.
Rashford has scored in each of United’s previous two games and has five goals in his last 11 outings. His goal production has surged recently.
Ten Hag could do with that streak coming to an end in Sunday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool, a team that defeated them 7-0 in March 2023 and is still on track to win four competitions. It has been more than a year since he scored in three straight games.