Rashford signs new Man United contract

London (AFP) – Teenage breakthrough star Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract committing him to Manchester United until 2020 with an option for a further year, the club announced on Monday.

In the first major squad announcement since Jose Mourinho was appointed manager last week, Rashford and fellow academy graduate Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have both committed their futures to the club.

Rashford, 18, has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for United since breaking onto the scene in February and is now in contention for a place in England’s Euro 2016 squad.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract,” Rashford said in a press release.

“I have always been a Manchester United fan so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true. I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself.

“To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family.”

Rashford scored within three minutes of kick-off on his England debut in Friday’s 2-1 win over Australia, enhancing his claim to a place in manager Roy Hodgson’s final 23-man squad.

“Marcus is a naturally talented footballer with great potential,” said United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. “He has taken his chances well and has integrated into the first team very quickly.

“I am delighted that Marcus has signed a new contract. He is at the right club to continue his development.

“He is still very young and we need to be patient, but he is developing in the right way and we believe he has a great future ahead of him.”

Like Rashford, Borthwick-Jackson has signed a four-year contract with an option for a further year.

The 19-year-old left-back made his United debut last November and went on to make 14 appearances.

“Last season was an incredible experience to make my first-team debut and a dream come true for myself and my family,” he said.

“I feel it stands me in good stead for continuing my development as a Manchester United player.”