19 July 2023 , 10:09
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Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has welcomed the news that Marcus Rashford has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
After a difficult 18-month spell, Rashford enjoyed a sterling 2022/23 campaign and looked back to his best under the guidance of Erik ten Hag, plundering 30 goals in 56 games to inspire United to a top-four finish.
Speculation over the 25-year-old's long-term future has been rife for months after the versatile forward entered the final year of his contract. However, United announced on Tuesday evening that Rashford had officially put pen-to-paper on a bumper new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028.
News that Rashford had extended his contract went down a storm online - but not just with fans. McCarthy, who was brought onto Ten Hag's coaching staff by the Dutchman last year, reacted to Rashford's post on social media with a host of celebratory emojis along with the message: "Congratulations bro".
McCarthy's message will not go unnoticed by United fans, who have been full of praise for the role that the former Premier League hitman has played in Rashford's resurgence.
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Speaking after fans credited him with the upturn in Rashford's form ahead of the match against Leicester City back in February, McCarthy insisted that all the praise should go to Ten Hag rather than him. He did, however, add: “I’ve got him [Rashford] in the right place.”
Join the debate! Do you think Rashford will be able to better last season's goal tally in the 23/24 campaign? Let us know here.
Benni McCarthy was left delighted by the news of Marcus Rashford's new contract (Manchester United via Getty Images)Unsurprisingly, several of Europe's elite were keeping a close eye on Rashford's contract situation and had designs on snaring the United academy graduate for nothing in 12 months' time.
But Rashford made it clear that he was never interested in playing his football anywhere other than Old Trafford after his new deal was officially confirmed. He said: “I joined Manchester United as a seven-year-old boy with a dream. That same passion, pride, and determination to succeed still drives me every time I have the honour of wearing the shirt.
“I’ve already had some amazing experiences at this incredible club, but there is still a lot more to achieve and I remain relentlessly determined to win more trophies in the years ahead.”
He continued: “As a United fan all my life, I know the responsibility that comes with representing this badge and feel the highs and lows as much as anyone. I can assure you that I will give everything to help the team reach the level we are capable of, and I can feel the same determination around the dressing room. I couldn’t be more excited for the future under this manager.”
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