Manchester United stars David de Gea and Marcus Rashford are going to be a part of Erik ten Hag's long-term plans at Old Trafford, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Reports claim that the £575,000-a-week duo are about to have their contracts extended, and O'Rourke thinks it would be good business and indicates that they have big roles to play under their new manager.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

GiveMeSport The Verdict

What is the latest news involving De Gea and Rashford?

As per the Manchester Evening News, United are likely to trigger one-year options in five players' contracts before the end of the January transfer window.

According to the same outlet, that includes both De Gea and Rashford, whose current deals expire next year.

Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred are the other players the report mentions, with United against the idea of letting any of the five leave the club in 2023 for nothing.

Combined, De Gea and Rashford have a CIES Football Observatory value of £86m, so they are certainly not two individuals the Red Devils will want to lose on free transfers.

What has O'Rourke said about De Gea, Rashford and United?

O'Rourke thinks United extending De Gea and Rashford's contracts is a good idea and has backed them to become a part of Ten Hag's long-term plans.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I think it's good business sense from United, tying down the likes of De Gea and Rashford, who look like they're going to be a long-term part of Ten Hag's plans going forward. I think it's all good sense from Manchester United so far."

How important have De Gea and Rashford been for Ten Hag this season?

Very. De Gea has started all of United's Premier League games so far, keeping clean sheets in two of them, while Rashford has also been a mainstay in the team.

In his six top-flight appearances this term, the England international has scored three goals, which includes a brace against Arsenal.

Last season, Rashford registered just four times in the league, so the above shows just how much his form has improved under Ten Hag.

He has scored 96 goals in total for United and is still just 24 years of age, so the Manchester club keeping him is an absolute no-brainer.

During the summer transfer window, reports suggested that Paris Saint-Germain were interested in Rashford. Considering that, perhaps they could make a move for him in January, but it would be a surprise if United sold him then, especially if they do go on to trigger that one-year option in his contract, which now looks likely.