Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he told Anthony Martial to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo before the forward signed his new contract with Manchester United.
Martial committed to another five years at Old Trafford on Thursday despite months of speculation regarding his long-term future at the club.
The 23-year-old appeared to be edging towards the exit last summer after falling out of favour under Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho.
However, Mourinho’s dismissal in December brought about progress in negotiations between Martial’s representatives and the club.
After Thursday’s new contract was announced, Martial thanked Solskjaer for showing “belief” in him, despite only working with the Norwegian for six weeks.
When asked to explain his input on negotiations with Martial, Solskjaer said he had talked with the France international about imitating United great Ronaldo.
“Well of course I speak about my experience at this club, what he can achieve at this club because I think I can achieve a lot,” Solskjaer said.
“As I have said many times, I’m here to help players, to guide players until the summer.
“I think when you sit him down and talk to him, for example, about Cristiano’s career, what he’s made of his career and how he’s got there and we talk about all the fantastic players with the history they’ve got, I think Anthony just sat down and said: ‘If I can be a part of this I’d like to’.
“I believe and the club believes we have got a top player there,” Solskjaer added.
“I’ve been here for 15 years, coach, player, now manager and I know how much this club can give to your career and what you can give to the club.
“I’m here to help the club and I’m just being honest with him that for me this was the best place to be, I made my career here, it was easy to sell the club to Anthony but he’s been here for many years so he knows what we’re capable of.”
