Anthony Martial: Manchester United trigger one-year contract extension though talks ongoing

Martial’s current Old Trafford terms were set to expire in the summer, though allowed for the club to trigger a one-year extension clause

Manchester United have automatically extended Anthony Martial’s contract until 2020 while negotiations regarding a new five-year deal continue.

Martial’s current Old Trafford terms were set to expire in the summer, though allowed for the club to trigger a one-year extension clause.

United have now taken up that option, as they did with goalkeeper David de Gea last month.

The club is yet to reach an agreement with Martial's representatives over renewed terms though the two parties remain in negotiations.

Jose Mourinho, the United manager, was willing to let Martial leave during the summer, with Tottenham Hotspur interested in the 23-year-old's services.

Philippe Lamboley, Martial's agent, had admitted that his client was looking to leave Old Trafford in June after missing out on a place in France's World Cup squad.

However, Martial has since worked his way back into Mourinho's plans again and is happy to stay, having been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise difficult season.

The former Monaco forward scored seven goals in eight league games before suffering a groin injury in the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Martial and De Gea are two highest-profile United players who were at risk of leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Phil Jones and Ashley Young all face uncertain futures, while Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling recently signed new long-term deals.