Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford ‘isn’t going to be signing’ a new contract for under £200,000-a-week, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.
The 25-year-old has been in sensational form for the Red Devils this season, but his long-term future is currently up in the air as his existing deal only has 18 months left to run.
Manchester United news – Marcus Rashford
In January, the Daily Mail claimed that United have introduced a 'Ronaldo rule' to ensure nobody inside the Old Trafford dressing room is paid significantly more than their teammates.
It was stated that salaries will be capped at £200,000-per-week and that current stars such as David de Gea would be impacted by the bold move.
Reliable reporter Ben Jacobs, when writing for CaughtOffside, has since claimed that extending Rashford’s contract is viewed as a ‘priority’, with Erik ten Hag valuing him as an ‘integral’ part of his project.
"Manchester United view Marcus Rashford as integral to everything they are building under Erik ten Hag, who recently confirmed getting the England forward to extend is a ‘priority’."
Fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal are said to be monitoring the England international’s situation closely in case an agreement can’t be reached.
What has Jones said about Rashford?
Jones has told GMS that he has always been informed that Rashford would be unwilling to sign a deal within the reported wage cap and that the United hierarchy are likely to just want to get an agreement in place.
He said: “I've been told all along that Rashford isn't going to be signing for United for under £200,000-a-week; that's not realistic right now.
“So, he's going to be above and beyond that criteria, and I think that if your Man United right now, you're just trying to move forward with it and get him to sign his future up to you.”
Does Rashford deserve a new contract?
Rashford, who is valued at £46 million by Transfermarkt, is enjoying one of the most productive campaigns of his senior career.
The versatile attacker has found the back of the net on 24 occasions in his 37 appearances across all competitions, providing nine assists for his teammates along the way.
With Rashford’s goal, United have been able to reach the League Cup final, Europa League last 16, and FA Cup fifth round while also fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Therefore, Rashford is undoubtedly deserving of a new contract and is well within his right to demand in excess of £200,000-per-week.