Ralf Rangnick believes Marcus Rashford is free to leave Manchester United in the summer if he so desires, and that discussing a contract extension now “doesn’t make sense.”
It was revealed on Monday. Rashford, 24, is contemplating his future at Manchester United after being left out of the starting XI for the 4-1 loss to Manchester City, despite the absence of fellow strikers Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, and Mason Greenwood. Rashford entered the game in the 64th minute with City leading 2-1 before scoring two goals in the final 22 minutes.
Rashford has started two of the previous eleven Premier League games and has appeared in eight of Rangnick’s 17 games as interim manager. Jadon Sancho was voted United’s player of the month for February after switching to the left-wing. Marcus Rashford has been in excellent form, while Anthony Elanga has broken into the lineup with vital goals against Leeds United and Atletico Madrid.
Rashford is under contract with United until 2023, with the club having the option to extend his contract for another year, but his future is now uncertain, despite a definite exodus of attack-minded players, with Cavani, Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, and Juan Mata all out of contract in June.
Rangnick has expressed his respect for Rashford while admitting that he has had ‘issues’ in a season in which he has only scored five goals. Rashford’s two goals under Rangnick came from the bench, and the German insists the England international has had adequate playing time.
Rangnick stated, “I spoke with him yesterday and the day before yesterday.” “So I don’t know anything about [Rashford’s future].” In my 25 years playing professional football, I’ve learned not to pay too much attention to what’s going on in the media.
“He didn’t say anything to me, he just stated he’s still happy and wants to do well for the club.” There was no hint of him being dissatisfied here.
“No,” Rangnick said when asked if he was concerned about a disappointed homegrown player, “since we have quite a few other players whose contracts expire in the summer.” This is not a concern for me.
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“My care and concern, or what I’m attempting to do with him, is what we achieved with, for example, Anthony [Elanga], Jadon, and one or two other young players we have, to improve his performance and ensure that he gets the greatest version of himself.”
“I don’t believe he hasn’t gotten enough game time.” He’s had 13-14 games while I’ve been here, and he’s played more games from the start than he hasn’t. I don’t believe this is an issue, and he hasn’t mentioned it since we spoke yesterday.
“However, the window is currently closed. Even if he and his agents or family decide to go to another club at some point during the summer, he can do so – but just during the summer. The window is now closed. It has nothing to do with tomorrow’s or Tuesday’s games.
“We should just complete this season as well as we can, and then there will be enough time in the summer to talk about it,” Rangnick added, referring to a possible contract extension. “At the moment, no one knows who will be the manager or how the club will be organized in the hierarchy.” Don’t get me wrong: I understand why you’re asking the question, but it doesn’t make sense to invest any energy in it.
“I’ll just say it again: I admire Marcus as a player.” I’ve had a couple in the past at other clubs where they had issues at one point, but it’s our responsibility to help him, to get the best Marcus Rashford possible. This is my job right now, and I’m pouring all of my energy and attention into it.”
