There has been a lot written in the past 24 hours about underperforming Manchester United striker Anthony Martial, with suggestions that he could get a contract extension.
Erik ten Hag told the media on Thursday that United “are talking with Rapha Varane, with Anthony Martial”, who are both out of contract in June.
Fans were immediately baffled by the response, but we all must remember that Ten Hag said similar about David de Gea for months before the Spaniard’s contract expired.
Martial, 28, is still expected to leave United and Varane is not guaranteed to be offered a new contract by the club. That is the club’s current stance, as per the Manchester Evening News, and I would be surprised if either of them were part of the squad next season.
How could the club possibly offer Martial a new deal when he has scored just 18 goals since the start of the 2020-21 season.
On the other hand, Varane is rarely available due to injuries – and Martial has the same availability issues too. It’s a shame because the French defender is one of our best defenders when fully fit.
United should be looking to replace both players next summer.
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