Peter Henry
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that he hopes that Anthony Martial remains at Old Trafford.
Martial reportedly recently turned down the offer to extend his current contract with the Red Devils which expires at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend it by a further year.
The 22-year-old France international has scored more goals than any other Manchester United player since he arrived at Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015, in a deal that could eventually rise to £58 million.
However, the talented attacker’s relationship with Portuguese coach Mourinho has been a rocky one, with both parties said to have wanted a parting of ways during the summer transfer window.
Martial has been in superb form as of late though netting four goals in his last three Premier League appearances, and with United CEO Ed Woodward said to be intent on keeping the left winger at Old Trafford in the long-term, Mourinho has now revealed that he is happy with his players progress and would also like to see him extend his contract.
“I don’t belong to the discussions of contracts,” Mourinho told his Friday media briefing.
“I don’t even know their contracts in the sense of numbers and I’m really happy with that – to not have to participate in these types of discussions.
“Obviously I hope we will agree. He is a talented player – everybody has known that since he was at Monaco. Another thing is a talented player with consistency and understanding what a football match is in the globality.
“When you reach that level or are almost reaching that level is when you become a top player. One thing is a top talent, another thing is a top player.
“When he is now much closer to becoming a top player, obviously I would like him to stay. I know the club very much wants him to stay so hopefully he is going to stay.”
Martial has been heavily linked with moves to Juventus, Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs over the last 12 months.