MANCHESTER UNITED FORWARD Anthony Martial has signed a new five-year contract with the club today, following months of negotiations and transfer speculation.
The Frenchman rejected an extension offer back in October last year amid widespread reports he was unhappy with his situation at the club under now-former boss Jose Mourinho.
His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2018-19 campaign, but United triggered a one-year extension and continued talks over a more permanent arrangement.
Martial has contributed ten goals and one assist in 25 appearances across all competitions for United this term and he is one of the players to have directly benefitted from the arrival of caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
After embarking on a nine-match unbeaten streak under the Norwegian, Martial has decided to pledge his long-term future to the club in a major boost for the team ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Speaking after the announcement was made on Thursday, Martial stated: “I am loving my time at this club. 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 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.”
The France international joined United back in 2015 from AS Monaco for a £36m ($47m) fee and he has since enhanced his reputation as one of the best young players in European football.
The 23-year-old attacker has hit 42 goals in 161 games for the club, winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup.
Solskjaer also expressed his joy after Martial’s new deal was tied up, praising him as ‘naturally gifted’.
“Anthony is one of those naturally gifted players that any coach would love to work with,” said the United head coach.
“For a young man, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his exceptional talent, makes for a player with an exciting future ahead of him. This is the perfect club for Anthony to progress his development as a top-class forward and we are all delighted he has signed a long-term deal.”
Martial could be back in action for Solskjaer’s side on Sunday, as they take in a trip to Leicester City.
United are now only two points behind Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for a top-four Premier League finish, while also through to the last-16 of the Champions League.
Join us to preview the Six Nations with Simon Zebo, Murray Kinsella and Gavan Casey on Thursday @7pm in Liberty Hall Theatre Dublin.
Joke. Was a coming together and no one got hurt. Has set a precedent for the year ahead
@Frank Barry: Precedent and the GAA don’t go in the same sentence.
@Bungee Aky: just did for you
Wrong decision .. Should be playing
He tackled him high and caught him around the head. Not much in it but by the letter of the law it’s a red card.
Paudie Maher’s reaction probably didn’t kelp Kelly either.
That’s a disgrace. Paudie Maher made an absolute meal of it. He did a neymar on it. It annoys me because he is one of the best backs around
First time live thought it was harsh. Saw recording, I can see where they’re coming from. He led with the arm into the helmet.
Good news for Kilkenny
Players need to learn you must at least try and play the ball not take out the man correct decision on every level rugby tackles need to be kept for the six Nations
You wouldn’t get a penalty for that challenge. Fair enough if they are going to cut out so called high challenges in the league but there will be many more of these challenges that will go even unpunished for they league. They referring is so unpredictable. One rule for one is not they same for another one