Manchester United fans question decision to hand contract extensions to trio of ‘under-performers’

Manchester United fans are unsure about the club set to trigger the one-year extensions of five squad members, some branding them “under-performers”.

The Manchester Evening News understands that Diogo Dalot and Marcus Rashford are two of them. Rashford has scored three goals, against Liverpool and Arsenal, and provided two assists in his last four matches.

His form has got supporters debating whether Erik ten Hag will decide against dropping for the injured Anthony Martial when he returns, with Cristiano Ronaldo being benched. Dalot, meanwhile, is seen as the manager’s firm first-choice right-back.

READ MORE: Manchester United set to extend five players' contracts

The Portugal international has played in every fixture this season and provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes’ winner against Southampton. However, fans are questioning the decision to trigger the extensions for David de Gea, Luke Shaw and Fred.

The latter has started just two league games this season, Scott McTominay being Ten Hag’s preferred central partner for Christian Eriksen. Meanwhile, some fans feel De Gea is past his best, with his howler against Brentford still etched in their minds.

Luke Shaw is currently nursing a foot injury having missed the last two games after losing his line-up spot to Tyrell Malacia. A number of followers on Twitter said United were making mistakes of years gone by in offering extensions to the trio.

@ugarjivee: Not Fred and Shaw please.

@UTDSanchoxD: I see no reason why we should extend Shaw contract.

@michaelosz: Death, taxes, United extending contracts with under-performers.

@Josh__Obed: We can't afford to give these players outrageous contracts.

@AMgPope: Fred must leave, Shaw must leave.

@AbzBusquets: I