Danny Murphy backs Marcus Rashford to captain Manchester United next season
As per his column in the Daily Mail (h/t Manchester Evening News), football pundit Danny Murphy has backed Manchester United star Marcus Rashford to become the captain of the club next season.
Rashford’s current contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer of 2024 though (Transfermarkt). A few days ago, Sky Sports reported that United boss Erik ten Hag has prioritised the signature of a new contract for the 25-year-old.
The England international has been in great form this season, especially since the World Cup. He has scored 25 goals and assisted nine in 42 appearances in all competitions. Ten Hag has set a target of touching 30 goals and going beyond that. Going by his current form, the player could touch 35 by May.
Here’s an excerpt from the piece Murphy wrote as to why Rashford can make a good captain of Manchester United (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“Rashford would be an ideal for United considering where they are at the moment in Erik ten Hag’s team development. Being a striker isn’t always the most natural position for a captain, but I think Rashford compensates in other areas.
“He’s clearly an automatic choice and becoming an excellent communicator on behalf of the club, confident in front of the microphone and camera. Importantly, he has become an elite forward and is clearly enjoying his football.
“People may question whether the armband would be a distraction. I believe he’d thrive on the extra responsibility.”
The former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder later added that this responsibility should only be handed to the forward after he signs a new contract with the club. It is a sensible thing to say because if he doesn’t sign the thing, he would be eligible to sign pre-contract agreements next January.
At the moment, it does feel foolish to think that Rashford won’t extend his stay at Old Trafford. But, we never know in football. There has been no shortage of suitors for the 25-year-old. Last month, it was revealed that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on his development.
Whether ten Hag makes him the club captain or not, is his personal decision in consultation with the staff. The manager would first be hoping that the player signs a new deal so that he can build a team around him for years to come.
More Manchester United News:
- Inter Milan are interested in Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof
- Erik ten Hag won’t ignore the kicking issues displayed by David de Gea against Real Betis
- Lisandro Martinez believes Manchester United showed more fight in second half to beat Real Betis
Given his work off the field, especially during the pandemic, we see Rashford as a natural leader of people. He has the qualities to do well in a football dressing room too. For now, let’s hope he just keeps on scoring and bring us two more trophies by May.
