Manchester United fans have a lot to cheer about ahead of the forthcoming transfer season.
Amid rising interest in a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford in recent times, Manchester United have triggered a one-year contract extension for the forward, which will extend his stay at Theatre of Dreams until 2025.
Along with Rashford, United have also triggered one-year extension clauses for Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot and Fred, manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
The extensions hold significance with United still three points behind the Premier League’s top four, and with a place in the Champions League at stake. The quartet’s extension could also signify their utility on Ten Hag’s side.
Rashford appeared to be inching towards his best since Ten Hag took charge. He had four Premier League goals, along with three for England at the World Cup, this season.
“Yes, I can confirm it,” Ten Hag told MUTV when asked about reports that United had extended the players’ contracts.
“We are happy because the squad is going in the right direction and those players (have made) a massive contribution in that direction,” the Dutchman said.
“We want to develop, we want to support those players and we want them to stay in our process, so that’s why we came to those decisions, I’m sure they are the right decisions,” he said, adding, “We want to construct a team for the future, for longer years, and those players have to be part of it.”
Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Red Devils should be considered favourites because they have won four of their last five home games, with the game against Newcastle ending in a goalless draw.
Manchester United have won each of their last six games against Forest in all competitions. In their last meeting, in February 1999, Manchester United recorded an 8-1 win.