Manchester United have secured the services of Anthony Martial until June 2024 after the French attacker signed a new contract.
The five-and-a-half-year deal, which contains an option to extend the contract by a further year, comes amid a season that has seen Martial in excellent form.
He has scored eight goals from 13 Premier League starts, making a notable improvement after finding himself in and out of the side last term and the year before.
Friday’s announcement highlights a vast improvement behind the scenes between United and Martial, as the winger was reported to have rejected a new contract in October last year.
Today just got a whole lot better! 😄 #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 31, 2019
United triggered a one-year extension in December to avoid the possibility of losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season, but his agent was ‘pessimistic’ about finding a long-term agreement at the time.
It has been suggested that the sacking of Jose Mourinho worked in United’s favour in tying Martial down to a new contract, with the France international – still just 23 – now firmly committing his future to the club.
Martial, speaking to the clubs website, said he is aiming to bring silverware to the club.
‘I am loving my time at this club. From the day I joined I have been made to feel part of the United family, and I have been incredibly humbled and overwhelmed by the warmth and love of our fans, who continue to amaze me with their support.
‘I would like to thank Ole and his coaching staff for their belief in me and for helping me to take my game to the next level. This club is all about winning trophies, and I am sure the next piece of silverware is not that far away,’ he added.
Solskjaer was unsurprisingly happy at securing the services of the gifted Frenchman for another four years.
‘Anthony is one of those naturally gifted players that any coach would love to work with. For a young man, he has a good footballing brain which, when coupled with his exceptional talent, makes for a player with an exciting future ahead of him. This is the perfect club for Anthony to progress his development as a top-class forward and we are all delighted he has signed a long-term deal,’ said the United interim boss.
