adminMANCHESTER. — Anthony Martial is to be offered a longer deal at Manchester United.
The French striker, who missed Saturday’s trip to Southampton with an Achilles injury, made his first league appearance in more than a year as a second-half sub in the United’s unexpected 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Martial (26) is the penultimate year of his existing £270 000-a-week contract at Old Trafford meaning he could become a cut-price target next summer should he enjoy a successful season.
That’s why the United hierarchy want to protect their investment by handing the ex-Monaco hitman, who cost £55million in September 2015, an additional two years.
That was not an issue before Erik ten Hag took over the managerial reins with Martial having failed to nail down a first-team place under a succession of bosses.
The former Lyon forward has often started the season well at Old Trafford only to hit a barren patch or suffer an injury and then find himself dumped on the bench.
United will be wary of any repeat of that occurring this term but, by all accounts Martial, at times labelled moody in England, is a rejuvenated figure under Dutchman ten Hag.
One source said: “The player has a spring in his step step and genuinely seems pleased to be at United.”
That is great news for the new head coach and club as they attempt to end their reliance for goals on ageing hitman Cristiano Ronaldo.
Martial’s overall United record is good – on paper. However, while scoring 56 times in 176 league outings, he has never maintained consistent form for any length of time.
Persistent injuries, the constant shuffling of first-team coaches and an apparently questionable attitude meant most Reds fans had long given up on him ever fulfilling his obvious potential.
Yet after failing to hit it off in Spain on loan at Sevilla last term, Martial appears to have convinced Ten Hag of his worth. — The Daily Star.
Online Reporter