Ten Hag claim disputed after offering lifeline to out-of-favour Man Utd star

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are in talks to keep Anthony Martial - contrary to reports he will be let go this summer.

The Frenchman will see his contract expire at the end of this campaign but discussions are ongoing over an extension, which could take his stay at Old Trafford into a 10th season following his then record-breaking move from Monaco in 2015.

Martial has been in and out of favour throughout his time in Manchester and has scored just twice this term. He has not been a regular under Ten Hag but the Dutchman confirmed talks were being held with him and Raphael Varane about remaining with the Premier League club.

He said on Thursday: "We triggered the options on Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Hannibal. And we are talking with Raphael Varane and with Anthony Martial. I think that is an internal discussion between the club and the players."

It comes despite ESPN reporting that Martial would be allowed to seek pastures new when the season ends. It is understood that whilst talks are going on, the two parties do not expect to find a resolution, leaving Martial free to go in the summer.

The Frenchman made a splash on his debut as he scored in a win over Liverpool at Old Trafford and has gone on to score 90 goals in 317 games for the club. He's shown flashes of brilliance, but his inconsistency has long been cited as a problem and he was loaned out to Sevilla two years ago.

Rasmus Hojlund was signed in the summer as the club's No 9 but the majority of their wide forwards, Martial included, have underwhelmed. Marcus Rashford and Antony are among those to fall below expectations this season with United having a serious problem in the final third.

That is likely to be addressed this summer and