Jose Mourinho hopes Anthony Martial will stay at Manchester United and has challenged the forward to go from a “top talent” to a “top player”.
Martial, whose deal expires at the end of the season, has rejected an extension offer, but that talks will continue. The club have an option to extend by a further year, Sky Sports reports,
It is understood Mourinho was willing to let the Frenchman go in the summer, however, it appears Martial’s recent performances – scoring four in his last three league games – have changed his manager’s mind.
Asked how confident he is of Martial staying, Mourinho said: “I don’t belong to the discussions of contracts.
“I don’t even know their contracts in the sense of numbers and I’m really happy with that – to not have to participate in these types of discussions.
“Obviously I hope we will agree. He is a talented player – everybody has known that since he was at Monaco. Another thing is a talented player with consistency and understanding what a football match is in the globality.
“When you reach that level or are almost reaching that level is when you become a top player. One thing is a top talent, another thing is a top player.
“When he is now much closer to becoming a top player, obviously I would like him to stay. I know the club very much wants him to stay so hopefully he is going to stay.”