Anthony Martial and Manchester United have been at contract stalemate for more than six months now but it seems the situation will finally be resolved
Anthony Martial was among the few players who came out of the tumultuous first half of the campaign with his held high. Martial was often the only bright spot in an otherwise hapless United side under Jose Mourinho. When all his teammates seemed to have downed tools, the Frenchman provided attacking threat down the left and kept United in games they had no right to get any result out of. However, off-field matters were very different from what his performances showed.
The former Monaco man was at a crossroads when it came to contract talks with United. The discussions had stalled with no resolution in sight. Things have now taken a turn for the better with Sky Sports claiming that Martial will sign a new 5-year contract to extend his Old Trafford stay.
According to French outlet RMC, the player’s agent Phillipe Lamboley has confirmed that the dal is close to being agreed and “some details need to be finalised”.
Perhaps the 23-year-old’s change has something to do with a change in the dugout. Ole’s arrival has ushered in a new positivity around Manchester United. Speaking to Norway’s TV2, the wide man was full of praise for his new boss, he said:
“It is great for me to work with a manager who was attacking even when he was playing, just like me. He comes with good advice, especially suggestions for positioning in front of goal and the actual finishing. There he helped me a lot.”
“The best advice I have received from him until now is that I have to play to my strengths. Don’t put pressure on myself. He says I have to express myself on the pitch. It is very nice to be able to get such advice from Solskjaer.”
Author’s Take
The temperamental forward has often frustrated the United fan base. Blowing hot and cold through the course of a season, his ability was never in doubt, however, his consistency has always been. He’s been doing better in that regard this season. He and the fans alike that a new contract will result in a further upturn in his form and who knows maybe even lead United into the top 4.
