Man Utd: 'Sancho a better footballer' than £200k-p/w teammate at Old Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s ‘next dilemma’ is over whether Old Trafford star Marcus Rashford deserves to remain in the starting line-up as Jadon Sancho is a ‘better footballer’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Although the Red Devils spent more than £200million during the summer transfer window, Rashford has remained a key member of ten Hag’s plans.

What’s the latest news involving Rashford?

Rashford has started all seven of Manchester United’s Premier League fixtures since the season got underway, scoring three goals in the process, but he was hauled off during the thumping defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

There are question marks over the 24-year-old attacker’s long-term future as his £200,000-per-week contract is due to expire next summer, although there is an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months.

Although it is understood that Manchester United were preparing to hold discussions over a fresh five-year deal last month, ten Hag has told the club’s hierarchy not to offer any new contracts until he works out who deserves to remain at Old Trafford.

Barcelona boss Xavi is reportedly an admirer of Rashford and ready to pounce if doubts over whether he will remain with the Red Devils continue.

Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have been long-term suitors as well and held an interest throughout the summer transfer window.

What has Dean Jones said about Rashford?

Jones believes the next big decision on ten Hag's agenda is whether Rashford deserves to keep his place in the starting line-up.

The journalist feels Antony's place in the first XI is safe, while Sancho is currently in better form, leaving the academy graduate vulnerable.

When asked whether Anthony Martial could come into the team next time out, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Ten Hag's next decision comes over Rashford. Is he pushed back to the bench? You can't see him taking Antony's spot in the team after playing okay and he's scored in the two games he's played, so that's a positive.

"Then it comes down to him and Sancho. You'd have to say that Sancho is a better footballer at the moment, just about, than Marcus Rashford. I think that's the next dilemma for him."

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Does Rashford deserve to keep his place in the starting line-up?

Not only is Rashford Manchester United's top goalscorer and joint-leader in terms of assists, but he ranks in the club's top three performers during the early stages of the Premier League campaign.

Despite that, the 46-cap England international could see himself drop to the bench in order to offer Martial or Cristiano Ronaldo an opportunity to impress.

Martial came off the bench and scored two late goals during the Manchester derby, increasing his chances of earning a place in the starting line-up next time out.

Ronaldo has been restricted to 207 minutes of Premier League action since the campaign got underway.