Rashford earns £20k weekly deal, may get to Euros

LONDON • Marcus Rashford has been rewarded for his breakthrough season at Manchester United by signing a new contract worth £20,000 (S$40,300) a week.

The 18-year-old striker has one year left on his current deal and United have acted swiftly, offering him an extension until 2020.

Rashford, who scored after 138 seconds for England in their 2-1 victory against Australia last Friday night, will find out today whether he has made Roy Hodgson's final squad for Euro 2016.

The teenager stands a good chance, having impressed the England manager.

"What a debut. You asked me before the game if I thought he would be up for it or capable of dealing with the situation and I think we got a resounding 'yes' to go with that question," Hodgson said.

Just three months ago, Rashford, who earns only £1,500 a week and drives a relatively modest Audi, was an unknown yet to play a professional game as he strove to emerge from the youth ranks at Old Trafford.

It has been a whirlwind since for the teenager who broke into the United side only in February, scoring twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League round-of-32 second leg before hitting two goals against Arsenal in the English Premier League.

Rashford scored eight times in 18 appearances in his debut season and has now been rewarded following his display on the international stage.

"I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true," he said.

"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."

THE GUARDIAN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 31, 2016, with the headline Rashford earns £20k weekly deal, may get to Euros. Subscribe