Decision time for Manchester United as five players near end of contract

Manchester United return to action on Thursday, as they travel to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the second round of Europa League group stage fixtures. 

Erik ten Hag’s side are in need of a win having lost their opener against Real Sociedad last week at Old Trafford, but The Red Devils will be confident of securing a result against the minnows.

The Dutchman made several changes to his side ahead of the visit of Sociedad last week, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo returning having been used as substitutes during the previous four games.

His gamble didn’t pay off, though, as United succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against their Spanish opposition, leaving them third in Group E.

One player that was once again snubbed was Luke Shaw, who hasn’t played a single minute of football for the club since being hooked at half time during United’s 4-0 defeat at Brentford last month.

The Englishman appears to be second favourite to new signing Tyrell Malacia, which has thrown his future into doubt.

As reported by The Manchester Evening News, though, United plan to exercise the option to extend the left-back’s contract by a further year.

The Englishman is one of five players that have recently entered into the final 12 months of their contracts, but the report claims that the club intend on extending all five players’ deals by one year, as each of their contracts includes a similar clause allowing the club to do so.

Rashford’s brace gave United victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford

Marcus Rashford, who has started the new season in superb form, is another name listed. The England international has scored three goals and provided two assists in his last four games, and it is suggested that United will soon look to tie the forward down to a long term deal.

The option to extend his current contract by a further year could be useful, though, and those in charge at the club also plan to do the same with Brazilian midfielder Fred.

The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man has played in all six of United’s Premier League games so far this season, but could see his playing time decrease as new signing Casemiro gradually establishes himself as a regular starter. Nonetheless, United will still exercise their option to extend his contract until the summer of 2024, the report claims.

Right-back Diogo Dalot has seen his playing time increase under new boss Ten Hag, with the Portuguese being preferred to Aaron Wan-Bissaka in every one of United’s Premier League matches so far this term. The 23-year-old has struggled for consistency during his time at Old Trafford, but looks set to play a key role for Ten Hag and could, like Rashford, also be rewarded with a long-term deal.

De Gea has started 44 consecutive Premier League matches

The final player that United are keen to ensure stays put is David de Gea, who remains the club’s number one goalkeeper despite a disastrous start to the season.

The Spaniard made two mistakes against Brentford, but has since improved and looks set to continue as first choice ‘keeper despite the arrival of Martin Dubravka on loan from Newcastle United.

The 31-year-old has made almost 500 appearances for The Red Devils and, even if he is replaced as first choice next season, those in charge at the club will be keen to keep him around for his experience and influence on the dressing room if nothing else.

If the Spanish international’s contract is extended until 2024, the ex-Atletico Madrid man will have spent 13 years as a Manchester United player.