Anthony Martial to sign new Manchester United contract, claims report

This wasn't something we saw coming

Despite the early promise he showed in his Manchester United career, it seemed Anthony Martial's days at Old Trafford were numbered earlier this summer. The French forward has struggled to put together a run of regular games since Jose Mourinho's arrival in 2016 and has been inconsistent when he has featured. A reportedly strained relationship with his manager has seen plenty of speculation suggesting Martial's future may lie away from United. However, despite being linked with moves to Barcelona, Juventus and Tottenham over the last couple of months, it now appears Martial is set to stay put. According to The Times, the 22-year-old is of the belief he will outlast Mourinho at United and is therefore giving serious consideration to signing a new five-year contract. The report adds that despite United's public backing of Mourinho, his position will come under scrutiny should United lose to Burnley at Turf Moor at the weekend - a result that would likely leave them nine points off the Premier League summit with just four games played. United are said to be hopeful that Martial signs the new deal which has been offered despite the fact Mourinho has made it known he does not want the player. This, the report adds, is another example of the divide between Mourinho and United's executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, who is said to have vetoed the sale of the player and pressed on with plans to tie him down to a new long-term deal.