It took longer than expected, but in the end, it got done. Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has signed a new five-year contract with the club, so he will remain at the club until the end of the 2023-24 season. United also have an option to extend the agreement for a further 12-month period. This option will be elegible when there’s one year left on the deal.
The signing puts an end to lots of rumours regarding the Frenchman’s future. Previously linked with moves to PSG and Juventus, Martial went from being almost out of the club in pre-season, to become one of the club’s top scorers and more productive players. And the former Monaco star expressed his delight after signing the extension when speaking with reporters.
Martial and Solskjaer reacted to the agreement
“I am loving my time at this club,” Martial said. “From the day I joined I have been made to feel part of the United family and I have been incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our fans, who continue to amaze me with their support. “I would like to thank Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] and his coaching staff for their belief in me and for helping me to take my game to the next level. This club is all about winning trophies and I am sure the next piece of silverware is not that far away.”
Caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also expressed his gratitude after reaching the deal. Martial has become a very important player since the Norwegian’s arrival. In fact, his performances have left players such as Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez on the bench almost on a permanent basis.
“Anthony is one of those naturally gifted players that any coach would love to work with,” Solskjaer said. “For a young man, he has a good footballing brain. When coupled with his exceptional talent, that makes for a player with an exciting future ahead of him.”
The numbers back him up
Martial has scored eight goals in 18 league matches this season. Those numbers might not be eye-popping, but there’s no question that he’s taken a step forward compared to last season. During the 2017-18 season, the French forward had nine goals, but in 30 league appearances. He seems to be getting better and better as time goes on. And if we consider he’s only 23 years old, then this deal means great business for United. It esentially means they are tying him up for the best years of his career.
Now it’s up to Martial to respond. But if the track record remains the same, then there’s no question that the best is yet to come.
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