£200k-a-week star could replace Ronaldo as ‘new face of Old Trafford’

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford could become the ‘face’ of the club after Cristiano Ronaldo’s Old Trafford exit, football journalist Steve Bates has told GiveMeSport.

Ronaldo left Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils last month, when his contract was terminated by mutual agreement following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

Man United contract news – Marcus Rashford

According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are preparing a £400,000-per-week contract offer which would make Rashford the highest-paid player on their books following Ronaldo’s departure.

The report suggests the winger has already turned down a £300,000-per-week proposal, but the Red Devils remain eager to tie him down to fresh terms as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their interest.

While Manchester United have been unable to persuade Rashford to put pen-to-paper yet, they have triggered a 12-month extension to his current agreement.

That has given the Red Devils some breathing space ahead of the January transfer window as, prior to the in-house decision, the England international’s £200,000-per-week contract was due to expire next summer.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth recently told GiveMeSport that Rashford ‘loves it at Manchester United’ and wants to stay with his boyhood club.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Steve Bates said about Rashford?

Bates believes Rashford could become a Manchester United icon and step into the departed Ronaldo’s shoes as the club’s most recognisable star.

The journalist feels the 25-year-old’s recent performances for club and country show that he still has a big future ahead of him.

Bates told GiveMeSport: “With Ronaldo now gone, I think Rashford could be the face of Manchester United.

“He could be the poster boy for United for the next few years. He’s young, an attacker, plays for England and is a dynamic player.”

How has Rashford performed so far this season?

The appointment of ten Hag as Manchester United’s boss could not have gone better for Rashford because the Dutchman has helped him to rediscover his best form.

He has already chalked up nine goals and three assists in 20 Red Devils appearances since the campaign got underway, according to Transfermarkt.

WhoScored statistics show that Rashford has been Manchester United’s leading marksman in the Premier League, while Christian Eriksen is the only teammate to have registered a greater number of assists.

The academy graduate also shone at the World Cup, despite being limited to just one start by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, as he found the back of the net against Iran and grabbed a brace during the 3-0 victory over Wales.

Rashford has now scored 102 goals in Manchester United colours and there is no doubt that he could go on to become a Red Devils legend if he commits his long-term future to the club.

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