Only the final hurdle remains before Man Utd thwart PSG and announce a critical new deal, though one source has suggested the finances of the move could go “quite a way beyond” what Erik ten Hag wants.
Ten Hag is understood to be the mastermind behind Manchester United implementing what’s been dubbed the ‘Ronaldo rule’.
That was according to the Daily Mail, who reported United are dead set against dishing out player salaries above £200,000-a-week
The idea is to foster greater harmony among the playing squad by ensuring no single player earns significantly more than the rest.
One high profile star who’ll be affected is David de Gea. The veteran stopper collects £375,000-a-week at present and must accept a hefty wage reduction if extending his stay.
Elsewhere, the new rule has been tipped to play havoc with United’s ability to tie Marcus Rashford down to fresh terms.
Rashford is in the form of his life having notched nine goals and three assists across all competitions post-World Cup.
His importance to United has never been greater, and Ten Hag is fully aware retaining the homegrown forward is of vital importance.
However, if United stick to their guns over their ‘Ronaldo rule’, questions have been asked as to whether Rashford will stay.
Indeed, French giant PSG are known admirers and the Mail previously reported they’re prepared to offer Rashford double what he can earn at Old Trafford.
Regardless, the MEN claimed one week ago talks over a new Rashford deal were progressing well. His current contract expires in the summer of 2024 after United triggered a 12-month extension back in December.
talkSPORT shed new light on the state of play today, noting the financial aspect of the deal is the only matter left to be resolved.
In other words, Man Utd are happy to retain Rashford and the player is seemingly keen on staying put. It’s now a case of stumping up a high salary and reporter Alex Crook claimed United will have to go “quite a way beyond” their £200,000-a-week limit to settle the affair.
Rashford worth every extra penny to Man Utd
“I think at the moment it’s just the financial aspect of this new contract that needs to be ironed out,” said talkSPORT’s transfer chief.
“He’s got 18 months left because United triggered a one-year extension, but they’ve got this so-called ‘Ronaldo Rule’ in place.
“They don’t want any one player to be earning dramatically more than another as it upsets the harmony in the dressing room.
“I think with Marcus Rashford they are going to have to go quite a way beyond their £200,000-a-week salary cap because he is sought after.
“There’s definite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Erik ten hag and Manchester United don’t want to lose him.”
Ten Hag will be reluctant to break a rule he’s only just implemented. However, if the alternative is losing his most effective forward and setting United’s rise back a step or two, Ten Hag and the Red Devils must make that sacrifice.