Erik ten Hag has warned Manchester United that they must convince Marcus Rashford about the club’s “environment” for him to commit his future.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, though United have the option of extending his current deal for a further year, and it has led to clubs like PSG positioning themselves to potentially move for the forward.
President Nasser al-Khelaifi revealed the Ligue 1 side would be interested in signing Rashford, suggesting talks could be held in January as they look to bring him to France.
However, Ten Hag has made it clear that both Rashford and Diogo Dalot, also out of contract in the summer but with an option to extend, will not be leaving for free at the end of the season.
“We are talking to them to extend contracts, but we have control because we have an option on all the players and we will exercise those options,” Ten Hag confirmed.
However, the Dutchman admitted that Rashford’s longer-term future is not in the club’s control, with it necessary for United to persuade the forward he does not need to look elsewhere.
“He has to make a decision,” Ten Hag said. “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?
“Marcus was one from the start who came with a smile to Carrington and left with a smile. From the first moment, it was a joy to work with him. I believe he is happy.”
Rashford will now turn his focus back to club football, after England were knocked out of the World Cup by France in the quarter-finals.
No England player scored more goals in Qatar than Rashford, despite the United forward only starting two games. His cameo off the bench against Iran was his first appearance for the Three Lions since the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy last summer.
Kylian Mbappe continues to lead the Golden Boot race at the World Cup after a string of sensational performances, and Ten Hag believes Rashford can be as dangerous as the Frenchman with his pace in behind.
“From the first moment, I recognised huge potential,” Ten Hag said.
“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.”
