Manchester United have triggered the one-year option on Anthony Martial’s contract after failing to agree terms on a new long-term deal.
The Frenchman is now tied to Old Trafford until 2020 - but negotiations are ongoing over a five-year extension.
United’s hierarchy have been in talks with Martial’s representatives for months. That they have had to take up the option that was inserted into his deal when he signed from Monaco in 2015 is evidence of the struggles they’ve had to get a new contract over the line.
It’s understood Martial’s desire is to remain at Old Trafford, where he has enjoyed a resurgence in form this season.
Jose Mourinho was prepared to sell the forward in the summer after growing frustrated by his attitude and inconsistency. But Ed Woodward has always been convinced the 23-year-year represents the future of the club and pressed ahead with contract negotiations despite his manager’s misgivings.
Martial has since won Mourinho round with his outstanding form in a troubled campaign for United.
The France international has scored eight goals in all competitions this season, leading Mourinho to praise him for resurrecting his United career.
"One thing is that he's a talented player that everybody knows he is - since he was in Monaco, everybody knows he was a talented player," said the United manager last month.
"Another thing is, a talented player with consistency and understanding of what a football match is in the globality.
"So, when you reach that level or when you are almost reaching that level, it's when you become a player - what I say, a top player.
"Because one thing is top talent, another is a top player.
"So, when he is now much closer to being a top player, obviously I would like him to stay."
