Anthony Martial is in talks over a new contract (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United fans are not happy after Erik ten Hag revealed the club was in talks with Anthony Martial about his contract.

Ten Hag announced that the club had triggered options to extend the contracts of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, centre-back Victor Lindelof and midfielder Hannibal Mejbri by a further year.

 

United also have options to extend both Martial and Raphael Varane’s contracts, but have so far decided against triggering them and are still in talks with both players. “We are talking with Rapha Varane and Anthony Martial and we have triggered the options on Lindelof, Hannibal, Wan-Bissaka,” Ten Hag said.

When pressed further on Martial and Varane’s futures, Ten Hag added: “I think that is an internal discussion between the club and the player.” However, some fans were not happy at the prospect of Martial potentially remaining at Old Trafford given he has not scored more than six league goals in a season since the 2019-20 campaign.

One fan wrote on social media: “No need to talk to Martial, just let him leave! Like a number of managers before should have done!” Another added: “If we keep Martial I’m giving up on the club what has he done to deserve it rewarding mediocrity”.

A third joked: “Someone’s preparing for a season in the Championship”. Another fumed: “This f***ing club. Why is Martial getting an extension FFS.”

Ten Hag was speaking ahead of United’s FA Cup third round game against Wigan Athletic on Monday and the Dutchman revealed he had held “very positive” talks with the club’s new investors Ineos, having met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Carrington earlier this week.

 

Manchester United fans were not happy to hear the club were in talks with Martial ( Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

“It was very positive, I have to say,” Ten Hag said. “We had a long meeting, so many hours we sat together – and on many issues we were on the same page. It was very positive from both sides.

“I can say that it was a very constructive meeting and we’re looking forward to working with each other. Also we have to let it settle down. They’re just coming in, introducing themselves, but they have good ideas and we have to see what we can integrate.

“In togetherness we will work but after one day you can’t tell that. They have given me a few (ideas) and we have had our debates about strategies and I think we will come together.”