Manchester United have an easy change to make to their contract strategy

One of the innovative hallmarks of Ed Woodward's tenure as executive vice-chairman at Manchester United was the introduction of the one-year option in contracts.

In order to wrest some control from players who might run down their contract, Woodward insisted on a one-year extension option that rested with the club. Marcus Rashford, as a topical example, is effectively contracted to United until 2024, not 2023, as there is no way United would leave the extension in his contract dormant.

In a handful of cases, United have passed on the additional year. The eclectic quartet of Antonio Valencia, James Wilson, Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira were released when they could have been retained for another 12 months as they represented next to no resale value.

READ MORE: Sky pundits missed the point on Ronaldo

Technical director Darren Fletcher has indicated Tahith Chong's deal will be extended even though he has not played for United in two years. Dylan Levitt, also technically out of contract in June, has had underwhelming loans but enjoyed international exposure with Wales and could fetch a reasonable fee.

United have extended the contracts of fringe players as part of the terms of a loan to protect the asset. Axel Tuanzebe had a year added onto his contract when he returned to Aston Villa in August and James Garner two years when he rejoined Nottingham Forest.

Almost every 20-something who signs or agrees to a new contract at United is guaranteed a minimum of four years. Most get five. The exception was Eric Bailly, 27 at the time he agreed to a cagey three-year deal that reflected his brittleness and poor appearance record. United explored the possibility of selling him months later amid interest in the Villarreal centre-back