The futures of both Martial and De Gea have been uncertain, with each set to see their current contracts expire at the end of next season. The lack of resolution in talks over renewals has led to concerns that both could see their futures lie away from the club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to become only the third @ManUtd manager to win his first three league games in charge of the club, after Sir Matt Busby and Jose Mourinho#MUNBOU pic.twitter.com/cuDAczHE3j
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2018
De Gea is apparently seeking a salary increase to around £375,000 a week, whilst Martial’s demands are reportedly yet to be met. As quoted by the Telegraph, Solskjaer insisted on his desire for the duo to remain at Old Trafford: “I know the club want them to sign, of course, because they are top quality players.
“It’s down to the players, but when you’re at Manchester United there isn’t a lot of greener grass on the other side. You are at the best place. It’s the biggest club in the world.
“For me, I would hope I can help or guide these players to maybe tip them over to thinking they want to stay at this club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urges Anthony Martial and David De Gea to become 'history makers' and commit to Man Utdhttps://t.co/hMDdgRNtCi
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) December 29, 2018
“If you are a regular at Manchester United, I think you should grasp the opportunity to stay here and become part of the history.”
Solkjaer admitted that he had found himself in a comparable position during his 11-year playing career at Old Trafford, as the former United forward received offers from Tottenham among others but insisted that any departure would have meant taking a step down.
“I had loads of offers and possibilities to move but the manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] sat me down and told me I was going to be an important part of his team, his squad, and I was going to play enough games.
“I felt privileged to play here. I am also stubborn. The club agreed to sell me to Spurs one time and I said, ‘No, thank you.’ My agent wanted me to go but I knew I was at the best place.
“I wasn’t sure the grass was greener somewhere else. I had a period when I wasn’t playing. I would get angry. Then he [Ferguson] would put me in the team and I would feel a big part of it and important.
“But we’re not talking about squad players now – we are talking about top players.”
Both Martial and De Gea are likely to line up from the outset as United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday as the Red Devils step out at Old Trafford for the last time of 2018.
Source : 90min