Erik ten Hag insists talks over a new deal for Marcus Rashford are "an internal process" with the Manchester United manager focused on on-field matters.
United triggered a one-year extension to Rashford's deal back in December, keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2023-24 season. They are keen to keep the England star on board for the long-term, though, and opened talks over a fresh deal after he returned from World Cup duty.
Ten Hag was asked about the situation as he spoke to the media ahead of United's weekend trip to Newcastle, one of three games in a week for the Red Devils. However, the Dutchman made clear his task was getting results on the field.
"It's an internal process," Ten Hag said. "We focus on winning games, also planning for the future so in the back we're working on that.
"It's about agents, it's about football director John Murtough, Rashy and I are focusing on performing."
Ten Hag also repeated a Harry Potter reference he first made at the end of January. Back then, he denied using wizardry to inspire Rashford's return to form, giving credit to the 25-year-old for the turnaround.
""It's not about just a talk, I'm not Harry Potter," he said. "It's like a process, so there are many tools you're putting in in your management to let people get to best form, best shape."
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Ten Hag confirmed he is keen to keep Rashford at Old Trafford, and said the same applies to David de Gea. Goalkeeper De Gea is out of contract at the end of this season, and United have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel if they cannot agree new terms with the Spaniard.
Rashford is enjoying the best season of his career in front of goal, scoring 14 times in the league and bagging 27 goals in all competitions. United drew a blank in their last two league games, though, and the manager fielded questions on whether he needs more goals in his team.
While Rashford missed England's back-to-back Euro 2024 qualifying wins through injury, one man who did play and score during the break was Scott McTominay. The Scotland international hit four in two games, the same number he managed across the last two seasons at club level.
"Scott can play in many roles," Ten Hag added. "It's clear he has scoring capabilities for Scotland but also this season for us he's a really good finisher but I see him as a midfielder so I think I'm happy with what Wout [Weghorst] is doing.”
"I think we have players like Bruno, like Jadon Sancho, like Anthony Martial, like Scott McTominay, like Antony dos Santos, we have enough players with the capabilities to score goals, definitely.”
