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Manchester United 'to delay decision on Anthony Martial contract extension'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 October 2023

Man United 'to delay decision on Martial contract extension'

Manchester United will take their time when it comes to a decision on a possible contract extension for Anthony Martial, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly take their time when it comes to a decision on a possible contract extension for French attacker Anthony Martial.

The 27-year-old's current deal at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer, but the club have an option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months, which would take him to the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Man United are allegedly preparing to active one-year extensions in the contracts of defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof, with the duo in the club's plans moving forward.

However, according to ESPN, a decision is yet to be made on Martial, who is yet to find the back of the net in six Premier League appearances this term.

The report claims that the Red Devils were willing to let the France international leave during the recent market, but the only interest that arrived was from the Saudi Pro League.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

Martial was allegedly not willing to entertain a switch to Saudi Arabia, so he remained at Old Trafford, and he has featured nine times this term, scoring once and providing one assist.

The ex-Monaco youngster is behind Rasmus Hojlund when it comes to the starting role as centre-forward, though, with the 20-year-old impressing since his arrival from Atalanta BC.

A recent report claimed that Martial is not prepared to be a back-up on a long-term basis, and he will consider a move away if his situation does not change in the coming months.

Man United are believed to be open to activating a one-year extension, but much will depend on how the attacker performs between now and the end of the campaign.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial in action with Bournemouth's Lewis Cook on May 20, 2023 © Reuters

A departure for Martial on a free transfer would see the Red Devils remove a high salary from their budget, but his deal could be extended with a view to a possible sale next summer.

Martial moved to Man United from Monaco in the summer of 2015, and he arrived with a reputation as one of the best young players in world football.

The Frenchman has featured on 307 occasions for the Red Devils in all competitions, scoring 89 goals and registering 54 assists, but he has largely found it difficult to show consistency.

Martial's best season came in 2019-20, when he found the back of the net on 23 occasions in all competitions, including 17 strikes in the Premier League.

However, he has only registered 11 Premier League goals in his last three campaigns, while various fitness issues have restricted him to just 40 outings in Man United's last two seasons.