Manchester United have hired Matt Hargreaves as a replacement for Matt Judge, according to reports. And this supposedly provides Erik ten Hag with a ‘boost’ as the club look to tie Marcus Rashford down to a new contract. The England international has been in stunning form this season, netting 27 goals across all competitions to establish himself as one of the best Players in world football.
According to The Athletic, Adidas executive Hargreaves is poised to arrive at United in order to lead their football negotiations.
And it’s claimed this is a ‘boost’ to manager Ten Hag as he looks to tie the likes of Rashford and David De Gea down to new contracts.
Hargreaves is said to be working a notice period as Adidas marketing director, but is poised to start work at Old Trafford before the summer transfer window opens.
As well as Judge he is also effectively replacing Tom Keane, who had assisted the club with their business last year.
Keane, who had been working as head of football negotiations on secondment, returned to work with law firm Brandsmiths.
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And he’s also just three goals away from reaching 30, with Robin van Persie the last player to do that a decade ago.
United also want to keep hold of De Gea, too.
Though the Spain international’s ability to play out from the back is questionable, he remains a big leader and safe pair of hands between the sticks.
De Gea is currently United’s highest-earner, with the 32-year-old taking home £375,000-a-week.
But the Red Devils are hopeful the stalwart will pen an extension on reduced terms, with the shot-stopper receptive to that idea.
Regarding Rashford, Ten Hag heaped praise on the forward ahead of United’s FA Cup showdown with Fulham on Sunday.
"The team was creating some chances," Ten Hag said, referring to his side’s 1-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday.
"Rashy had some chances before and he missed some but he kept his belief, he kept trying, and got his reward.
"All good strikers know that not every chance you will get a goal but at this level, you don't create five or six chances in a game so one of the two has to be in.
"(His form) tells you something about the team's performance. It tells you something about him.
"If he keeps the focus, and makes sure he has the energy, the way, and the way he has to play in that system and style, he will get in scoring positions and then it's about him, he has the ability to finish."
And he added: "He has progressed during the season.
"He was not in the best shape when he started the season. The way we play, it gives him a base, then he brings his skills and attitude.
“It's bringing him progress and the team a lot of joy. It's bringing Marcus a lot of goals and us a lot of wins.”