Ole Gunnar Solskjaer key to Anthony Martial contract talks at Manchester United, says Ryan Mason
United play Arsenal in FA Cup fourth round on Friday
Thursday 24 January 2019 23:21, UK
Ryan Mason thinks the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been significant in Manchester United progressing contract talks with Anthony Martial.
The France international rejected a new deal in October when Jose Mourinho was in charge.
However, Martial, like many other United players, appears invigorated by the arrival of Solskjaer, who has said the club are making progress with a contract extension.
"I can understand why he didn't want to sign," said former Tottenham midfielder Mason on The Debate. "Jose Mourinho had just been given a new contract and if he's there for the next four or five years and Martial is in a system he doesn't enjoy and doesn't get the best out of him then I can't blame him for rejecting a deal.
"But I am sure now if they are talking then it's a different story altogether.
"Martial is such an exciting prospect. He is a player that Manchester United fans want to see."
Former United boss Mourinho was reportedly willing to part with Martial last summer.
However, he has impressed this season and ex-Reading and Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell says the club need to secure his future.
"It's all about the environment. He wasn't happy in the environment before and now he has a spring in his step.
"I am a massive fan. He gets fans off their seat, he is direct, he can go either way, gets plenty of assists and can score goals. He is the one they need to nail down."
Mason also says Solskjaer is getting the best from Marcus Rashford, who made his 150th appearance for the club in the 2-1 win over Brighton last weekend.
"Manchester United are top heavy and have been for a couple of years. The defensive manner in which they were setting up was never going to get the best from Martial, Rashford and Paul Pogba.
"You see now the way they are attacking teams, they are brave. Rashford is in a great spell of form and you seeing his full potential because he is playing in a team that's attacking."
