Anthony Martial set for free transfer as Manchester United take firm stance on contract situation

Manchester United are not planning to offer Anthony Martial a new contract, talkSPORT understands.

Martial is set to be released on a free transfer when his current deal expires in the summer if he does not find a new club this month.

The Frenchman has scored just 63 Premier League goals since becoming the world's most expensive teenager when he joined United from Monaco on a deal worth in excess of £50million in 2015.

United can trigger a one-year extension in Martial's contract, but manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the club are yet to activate this at a press conference on Thursday.

Ten Hag insisted the club are in discussion with the player's representatives, but talkSPORT understands these conversations are unlikely to result in fresh terms.

The Red Devils expect Martial to leave in the summer and the 28-year-old is now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.

Martial has missed the last month of action due to illness and Ten Hag does not expect the striker to be available for Monday's FA Cup clash at Wigan.

The 2023/24 season is likely to signal a deflating end to an underwhelming career at Old Trafford for the France international.

Martial has played 317 games for United but never truly lived up to expectation since his arrival nine years ago.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have refused to trigger a similar option in defender Raphael Varane's contract, which also runs out at the end of the campaign.

However, it is understood United are trying to extend the 30-year-old's stay on reduced terms.

Varane is also free to negotiate with foreign clubs over a potential free transfer in the summer.

Get Manchester United news, features and the best opinion from talkSPORT pundits in our WhatsApp channel.

Follow our