Man Utd convince €83m star to be 'face of project' at Old Trafford

Stuart Telford

• 25 Jun 2023 17:26 BST
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag has played a crucial role in persuading Marcus Rashford to extend his contract at Manchester United, promising the forward that he would be 'the face' of his project at Old Trafford.

Rashford is close to agreeing terms on a new deal with Man Utd that would see him replace David de Gea as the club's highest earner on £375,000 a week.

Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in the England forward as they prepare for life beyond Kylian Mbappe, but Rashford is now set to stay beyond 2024 with a bumper pay-packet.

READ: Marcus Rashford HERE WE GO! - Romano confirms new contract for Man Utd star

United were reportedly ready to introduce a 'Ronaldo rule' whereby no player in the squad would earn more than £200,000 a week - something they dismissed - although these are the terms De Gea has been offered to extend his own stay.

'The Face of Manchester United

But The Guardian report that club and players are 'close' to agreeing to the fresh terms, and transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano says that Ten Hag has been key.

"I think it's also very important to mention the role of Erik ten Hag in this story," he GiveMeSport.

"Since day one, when he arrived, he always wanted to convince Marcus Rashford to stay and be the face of the project at Manchester United. He has been successful in this."

READ: Man Utd repeating old mistakes by breaking Ronaldo rule with Rashford deal

Rashford enjoyed his best season to date under Ten Hag in the most recent campaign, scoring 30 goals and contributing another 11 assists in all competitions and United finished third in the Premier League and lifted the EFL Cup.

Whether United are owned by the Glazer family, Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe by the time next season kicks off remains to be seen, but one of the club's favourite sons looks certain to lead the team - captain's armband or not.