Manchester United's biggest summer signing won't involve a transfer fee

Manchester United's best bit of business this summer might not involve a transfer fee.

While it's clear Erik ten Hag has work to do in the market, with securing a centre forward the priority, the United boss must also secure the long-term future of one of his prized assets.

Marcus Rashford has had a sterling season and his return to training ahead of the weekend trip to Bournemouth is a huge boost to the Reds. His 29 goals in all competitions have carried United at times. He hit eight in seven and then six in five during the turn of the year as the England international plundered 15 goals in 17 games to propel the Reds forward in three competitions and prompt faint title talk.

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While that didn't materialise, Rashford has enjoyed a campaign to remember and proved he can be a pivotal part of Ten Hag's front line. Uniting him with his England team-mate Harry Kane, the top United summer transfer target, is a frightening thought and it's sometimes easy to forget Rashford is only 25.

He is perfectly placed to grow further with Ten Hag's United but to do so the pair must remain in tandem. Rashford is about to enter the final year of his contract and thus far there has been no breakthrough in negotiations.

The striker has admirers at French club PSG, with who he could theoretically sign a pre-contract agreement in January, and would have no shortage of suitors if he opted to leave Old Trafford. That still seems unlikely, particularly with United back in the winner's enclosure this season and closing in on Champions League football.

The player himself said on social media in March that his focus was on trophies, writing on Instagram: