Former England manager Sam Allardyce has said that he is surprised that Manchester United are keen to tie Anthony Martial down to a new deal after the youngster has failed to impress on a consistent basis.
The Frenchman became an instant fan favourite after making a £36 million move from Monaco in 2015, scoring a superb solo goal on his Manchester United debut against bitter rivals Liverpool. He went on to become the clubs top scorer in his first season at the club, regularly leading the line for the Red Devils under Louis van Gaal.
Since then though, his career at Old Trafford has faltered under Jose Mourinho, and while he has shown glimpses of his immense talent, the 22-year-old has frequently gone missing in the famous red jersey, and reportedly told the club wants to leave.
However, United were determined not to sell the winger, especially to a Premier League rival, and are thought to be keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract, but Sam Allardyce has admitted that he is surprised at that stance:
“I’m very surprised if they have offered him a five-year contract in all honesty,” Allardyce told talkSPORT.
“We’ve seen the odd flash of his brilliance, but by now he should be showing that brilliance on a more regular basis. He should be hitting top form more often than not.
“He’s had two managers [Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho] now and both managers have found it difficult to find him a regular place in the Man United side.”