It might be transfer deadline day, and while Manchester United may not be planning on doing any business today in the transfer market, they have secured the signature of Anthony Martial, who has penned a new five-and-a-half-year deal at the club.
Martial moved to Manchester United on the summer transfer deadline day of 2015, joining as a relatively unknown teenager for the fairly hefty sum of £36 million from Monaco, a deal which could rise to £58m depending on performances.
However, he instantly made himself a hero among the Old Trafford faithful, netting a superb solo goal on his debut, against Manchester United’s most bitter rivals Liverpool.
He would go on to become United’s top scorer in that debut campaign, as well as playing a vital role in United’s journey to FA Cup final glory, cooly netting a late winner in the semi-final against Everton.
However, his form and confidence would take a hit following the arrival of Jose Mourinho, who insisted on the Red Devils playing a more defensive style of football. So bad had his relationship become under the Portuguese that he tried to leave the club on a number of occasions, only to be denied by the Manchester United board, who recognised his obvious talent.
With Mourinho now a distant memory at Old Trafford, Martial has been reinstated as a regular starter under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who has unified the squad and steered them on a nine-game unbeaten run.
Now, the 23-year-old has gone full circle and has put pen to paper on a new long-term deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2024.
He missed the midweek draw against Burnley after picking up a knock in training but could be back to face Leicester on Sunday.
