Ten Hag Hopes Rashford and Man Utd ‘Find Each Other’ in Contract Talks

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
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Ten Hag Hopes Rashford and Man Utd ‘Find Each Other’ in Contract Talks

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford shows dejection at full time during the English Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United, in London, Britain, 07 May 2023. (EPA)

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said he is confident that Marcus Rashford will agree a new contract with the Premier League club even as the English forward prepares to enter the final year of his deal with the Old Trafford outfit.

Rashford has enjoyed the best season of his career with 29 goals in all competitions for United, including 16 in the Premier League.

However, the 25-year-old United academy graduate has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and although Ten Hag said he knew why talks have dragged on, the Dutchman refused to elaborate.

"Yes, I know (why), but I don't talk about the process. Let the process go. Once again, this is not important at the moment for me or Rashy," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Saturday's league match at Bournemouth.

"For him, it is to get more goals this season. He is playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season. We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that.

"Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other."

United are fourth in the table with 66 points and have a game in hand over Liverpool, who are a point behind in the top-four race for Champions League qualification.

Ten Hag's side are also in the FA Cup final where they will look to deny their rivals Manchester City a shot at the treble achieved only once before in England -- by the 1998-99 United team -- but he is not looking that far ahead yet.

"When we have three games and it's gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all," he said.

"I think we have to keep doing what we have all season, improve every day and improve every game ... Focusing on the next game is the most important."



Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
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Renard Confirms Saudi National Team's Readiness for the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup

The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday - SPA

French coach Hervé Renard has confirmed the Saudi national football team's readiness to compete in the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait, from 21 December 2024 to 3 January 2025, and stressed that the team aims to achieve great results, rather than merely gain experience.
Renard also said the tournament is a valuable opportunity to enhance the players' technical and physical capabilities, SPA reported.
Speaking at a press conference, Renard said: "We are here to participate effectively and win. This tournament provides a great platform to work with the players and prepare them for future competitions."
Regarding the team's condition, Renard said that player Hassan Tambakti is ready for action, while Salem Al-Dawsari is "working on regaining full fitness".

He commended Al-Dawsari for his dedication to speeding up his recovery. Meanwhile, Firas Al-Brikan is dealing with an injury, and his availability will depend on further evaluations, said Renard.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Renard said: "I accepted this challenge because I believe in the players' capabilities. We must work with team spirit and focus on improvement in the coming period."
As far as the team's opening match against Bahrain is concerned, Renard said: "We are preparing for a tough game. The preparation period was crucial, and our focus now is on delivering a strong performance."
The Saudi team is set to face Bahrain on Sunday in what promises to be an exciting start to their Gulf Cup matches. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in their opening match.