Martial’s lack of playing time alerts Europe’s heavyweights

Some of Europe’s leading clubs are considering testing Manchester United’s resolve over Anthony Martial amid fresh doubts over the France forward’s future at Old Trafford.

A number of clubs, including Paris St-germain, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham are thought to be monitoring Martial’s situation at United.

Although Martial is understood to be settled off the field in Manchester, and ideally wants to stay at United, he has become increasingly disenchanted by a lack

of starting opportunities and a regular run in the team. He has not started a game since the 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton & Hove Albion on March 17, when manager Jose Mourinho accused his attacking players of “hiding”.

The arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal in January has placed another obstacle in Martial’s path. The Frenchman, who signed from Monaco in 2015 in a deal that has cost United £44 million so far, is predominantly competing with Sanchez and Marcus Rashford for a role on the left of the attack.

Martial is out of contract at the end of next season, although United have an option to extend his deal by

a further 12 months to June 2020. Talks over a new deal hit an impasse recently and there were reports in France yesterday that the 22-yearold has rejected a new contract offer from United.

Mourinho has been heavily linked with moves for Chelsea forward Willian and Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale this summer, although Martial is highly regarded and hugely popular among United supporters and any prospect of him leaving would be dimly received.

Martial has made 40 appearances and scored 11 goals, but has often been alternated with Rashford, another player yearning for more first-team action.

In the past Martial has dispelled talk of him being discontent, but is struggling to see much change in his opportunities, with Romelu Lukaku the main striker.

Martial’s erratic form last season coincided withissues in his personal life following an acrimonious split with his former partner, Samantha Jacquelinet, with whom he has a daughter, Peyton.

Martial has been keen to realise his full potential at the club, with Mourinho’s tough-love approach last season appearing to have paid dividends, with Martial hitting a rich vein of form earlier in this campaign, but his performances since have been inconsistent.