Manchester United have triggered a 12-month extension clause in Anthony Martial’s contract, reports the London Evening Standard.
Martial’s deal was due to expire at the end of the season and United have moved to avoid losing the France international for nothing.
Talks are on-going about a new long-term deal but Martial is stalling on pledging his future to the club.
Martial has endured a turbulent time at United since Jose Mourinho was made manager in the summer of 2016.
The 23-year-old finally appears to have won over Mourinho’s trust but it remains to be seen if it’s too late to convince the Frenchman to stay.
Much has been written about Mourinho’s United future and Martial may just be waiting to see whether he is still at the club next season.
United lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Sunday and are now 19 points off the Premier League leaders.
Mourinho’s position is not under immediate threat but will reportedly be dismissed if United miss out on a top-four finish this season.
Martial is United’s top scorer in the Premier League this season (seven goals) and would not be short of suitors if he refuses to sign a new deal.
