READY TO STAY?
RARING TO GO
UNITED are prepared to trigger a one-year option on Anthony Martial’s contract – even if the Frenchman agitates for a move.
The 22-year-old is frustrated by his lack of regular football under Jose Mourinho following the signing of Alexis Sanchez in January, as well as United’s failure to agree a new long-term deal, despite months of negotiations.
His agent, Philippe Lamboley, revealed last month that Martial is now ready to leave Old Trafford in a summer that has seen Tottenham and Juventus express interest.
But United remain adamant he is part of their plans, with sources at the club dismissing Lamboley’s comments as nothing more than a negotiating tactic.
Executive vice chairman, Ed Woodward, who oversaw Martial’s £36m move from Monaco four years ago, still believes he has the potential to become one of the superstars of world football and is determined to protect his asset.
Martial still has year to run on his contract and that can be extended to 2020 if United trigger his option.
Juventus declared an interest in the forward earlier this summer – but the £99.2m signing of Cristiano Ronaldo now leaves Tottenham as his most serious suitors.
However, it is highly unlikely Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy, will come up with the money to tempt United to cash in. But with United intent on further strengthening their attack during this window – with Gareth Bale, Ivan Perisic and Willian all targeted – Martial will face an intense battle for regular football.
ANDER Herrera has told Anthony Martial he can become one of the best in the world with United – despite the Frenchman indicating he wants to leave.
Martal’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, said last month the forward wants out of Old Trafford after a season in which Alexis Sanchez was favoured over him on the left of United’s attack.
Manager Jose Mourinho has hinted he believes the player will still be at United when the season starts and United have no desire to sell him.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Martial, team-mate Herrera insists he is focused and can become one of the top players in the world.
“He’s very talented,” he told Sky Sports . “He can be one of the best players in the world and I think he is very focused this season to smash it.
“When you have players like Anthony, like Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Alexis Sanchez, those kind of players can change the game.
“If one of them cannot play, we have three or four more, so we have lots of options. I think we shouldn’t think that any other club in the Premier League has better players because at least we have as good as the opponents.
“Now it’s all about work, confidence, about keeping playing like he did [in the friendly against CF America]. I am confident with them because they are all amazing players and Anthony looks very sharp.”
Mourinho also referred to having Martial at his disposal for the start of the Premier League campaign when talking about the late arrival on tour of Sanchez.
The Chilean has since joined up with his team-mates in the US, training with them on Saturday.