Erik ten Hag is determined to fight off interest from Paris Saint-Germain to keep Marcus Rashford at Manchester United.
The Dutchman has given Rashford a huge vote in confidence after comparing Rashford to France star Kylian Mbappe. In addition to that, Ten Hag believes the 25-year-old can is becoming one of the world’s best forwards.
After enduring a difficult spell for United in the latter stages of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure and under former interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
However, things have drastically improved for the academy graduate since Ten Hag’s arrival and his performances in Qatar this winter have been just as encouraging.
“From the first moment, I recognised huge potential,” said the United manager, as per the Daily Mail. “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 president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed last week that they were interested in signing Rashford in the future, but United will trigger a 12-month extension on his current deal before the end of next month unless they can reach an agreement over a new deal.
Otherwise, the player will be free to talk to foreign clubs from January 1.
“He has to make a decision,” Ten Hag added in response to PSG’s interest. “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?”
It probably helps Rashford that he now has a manager that believes in him. I’m not saying that wasn’t the case under Solskjaer, but it was certainly a problem when Rangnick took charge of the team.
“Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington and left with a smile. Form the first moment, it was a joy to work with him. I believe he is happy.”
We all hope Rashford can continue his good form when the domestic action returns.
