Transfer Centre

Erik ten Hag confirms three contract renewals, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial talks

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 January 2024

Ten Hag confirms three contract renewals, Varane and Martial talks

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reveals that contract extensions have been triggered for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal Mejbri.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that contract extensions have been triggered for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal Mejbri.

All three players only had deals at Old Trafford until the end of the campaign, but the club had the option to renewal their contracts for a further 12 months, and Ten Hag has confirmed that the trio's deals now run until June 2025.

The Red Devils manager also revealed during his press conference on Thursday that talks were continuing with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, with the duo out of contract this summer.

Man United have decided against triggering an option in Varane's deal, allegedly due to the size of his wages, but the experienced centre-back is still believed to be in the club's plans moving forward.

Varane, who has recently regained his starting role at Old Trafford, is also thought to be keen to stay despite suggestions of interest from Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks to substitute Anthony Martial on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Martial, 28, has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, making 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering two assists in the process.

However, the Frenchman has not played for the 20-time English champions since the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on December 9, missing out in recent weeks due to illness.

"We are talking with Rapha Varane and with Anthony Martial," Ten Hag said at Thursday's press conference. "And we have triggered the options on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal."

Wan-Bissaka has made 15 appearances for Man United this season, including 11 outings in the Premier League, while Lindelof, who will be back this month after undergoing a minor operation at the end of December, has featured 18 times during the 2023-24 campaign.

Manchester United's Victor Lindelof reacts after Brighton & Hove Albion's first goal on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

Hannibal has also been involved with the first team this season, playing nine times in all competitions, including five outings in the Premier League.

The 20-year-old will not represent Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations this month and is widely expected to head out on loan before the end of the month.

Jonny Evans also only has a deal with Man United until the end of June, and it remains to be seen whether the experienced centre-back will be offered an extension.

Tom Heaton is in the same situation, with the experienced goalkeeper, who is the number three at the club, seeing his current contract expire at the end of the campaign.

Man United will be bidding to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League when they take on Wigan Athletic in the third round of the FA Cup on January 8.