Manchester United winger rejects improved contract offer

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial has rejected a new and improved contract offer from the club, according to Sky Sports.

The Frenchman, who joined United from Monaco for a fee that could rise to £58m, has recently returned to the starting XI under Mourinho and has rewarded his manager’s faith, scoring three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, including a brace in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last weekend.

It had been reported that Martial was eager to leave the club, following increasing tensions between the player and Mourinho after Martial left United’s pre-season tour to be present for the birth of his daughter. The Portuguese manager was keen to bring in Ivan Perisic as his replacement, though Martial remained at Old Trafford – despite the increasing regularity of rumours that he is set to depart this summer.

The latest news that Martial has rejected a contract offer, with his current deal due to expire next summer, will be alarming news to the United hierarchy, given the potential of a player who scored 17 goals in his debut season with the club and has shown glimmers of greatness since his move to Manchester in 2015.