Santa Clara: Manchester United are determined to resist any attempt by Tottenham Hotspur to sign Anthony Martial before the close of the summer transfer window.
The striker started just 18 games in the Premier League last season and infuriated manager Jose Mourinho with a series of insipid displays once he had a chance to re-establish himself in the team towards the end of the campaign.
That prompted speculation that he would be sold this summer, but United are set to take up the option of extending his contract for another 12 months.
Martial has only one year left on his deal, but the Old Trafford club negotiated a clause when they signed him in 2015 that would allow them to add another year if they choose.
Just three weeks remain of the current window and Martial is one of Spurs’ long-standing targets. He is thought to be keen on the move to London, where Mauricio Pochettino believes he can revive the Frenchman’s career. So, Tottenham are likely to test Mourinho’s desire to hold on to a player who he has chastised publicly, particularly when Martial’s agent claimed he should leave Manchester because of the manager.
A bid of more than 60 million pounds would make it interesting, but The Sunday Telegraph understands that United are not ready to give up on Martial.
Although the 22-year-old exploded on to the Premier League scene following his 36-million-pounds move from Monaco, he has not progressed as hoped. His poor club form meant he was dropped from the France squad that went on to win the World Cup in Russia.
He has been overtaken by even younger rivals in France — not least Kylian Mbappe, three years his junior.
But United teammate Ander Herrera believes he has seen a different Martial since the players returned to training earlier this month. “He can be one of the best players in the world,” he said. “I think he is very focused this season to smash it. Now it’s all about work, confidence.”
Meanwhile, Demetri Mitchell, 21, has admitted he could be sent out on loan again this season despite starting in United’s opening pre-season friendly against Club America last week.
