Rashford stalling over new United contract

MANCHESTER: Marcus Rashford is stalling over a new contract at Manchester United, as the scale of the rebuilding job facing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer becomes clear.

Rashford was linked with a move to Barcelona in the buildup to United’s Champions League exit at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night, a 3-0 defeat that emphasised the yawning gap in class between the two clubs.

United were disappointed about the timing of the reports and insist Rashford is not for sale.

A Manchester-born product of the club’s academy, he is the last player they would want to lose. It is understood the interest from Barcelona is genuine even though the Spaniards accept it will be very hard to prise the 21year-old striker away from Old Trafford.

The speculation plays into the hands of Rashford’s camp at a time when talks have begun over a new contract. His deal runs out at the end of next season, although United have an option to extend it by 12 months.

However, Rashford’s representatives are in no hurry to commit when they are in such a strong bargaining position and believe they could have their pick of Europe’s top clubs.

They are looking for wages in excess of £200,000 (RM1 million) a week and are also thought to be seeking assurances that Rashford will remain in a central role after ousting Romelu Lukaku as United’s first-choice centre forward.

However, the manager is said to have detected a change in Rashford’s demeanour on the pitch in recent weeks, noting the youngster’s uncharacteristic tendency to show his displeasure and even sulk at times.

The Rashford situation highlights the problems facing United as they try to become a major European force again under Solskjaer.

“I’ve said all along this isn’t going to change overnight. The next few years are going to be massive to get to the level of Barcelona and other teams.”