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Martial was keen to leave Manchester United after struggling last term.
He was frustrated with his lack of playing time and his treatment under Jose Mourinho.
The France star’s agent publicly admitted he was looking to play elsewhere.
And there were further complications in the summer when Martial was fined for failing to return to United’s pre-season training camp in the US after the birth of his child.
But Ed Woodward was keen to stand by the former Monaco ace and refused to let him leave despite interest from Tottenham, Chelsea and clubs in Italy.
Mourinho was left frustrated at the club’s failure to make moves in the transfer market and had requested another winger.
And the Portuguese was left battling for his job after a series of poor performances left United halfway down the Premier League table.
Martial is one of the players who has impressed in recent weeks, scoring four in his last four, including the double against Chelsea.
And he struggled at the start of the season before impressing in the last few games.
The Manchester Evening News report that United were lucky to hang on to the 22-year-old and were saved by the early closure of the transfer window.
Had the window continued until the end of August like it had in previous years Martial would likely have got his way and moved on, but has instead stayed.
And his performances in recent week show that he is now a key player for Mourinho.
Martial’s long-term future remains uncertain as talks over a new deal remain at deadlock although he is expected to sign a new five-year deal.
United legend Gary Neville admits he’s confused by Martial and what he brings to the side.
“Is he worth fighting for?” questioned Neville.
“Fans are torn on him, I’ve been confused by him in terms of what he is.
“I can’t make my mind up. Some weeks I think he’s brilliant other weeks I think: ‘I’m not sure he’s not a Manchester United player.’
“If you look at his whole career – he’s played a mountain of games for someone who’s 22 years of age. He’s still a very very young boy.”
Martial arrived from Monaco and has already made 236 senior appearances.
“He’s scored a lot of goals but not at a great ratio – especially not the ratio you expect of great modern wide players,” Neville continued.
“He finishes well – he makes difficult finishes look really simple. He was brilliant against Chelsea, we saw one yesterday against Everton.
“He’s got power and pace and when he cuts inside he can hit a ball.
“When you give the ball to his feet – just to his feet – he comes alive.”
When asked whether he is worth handing a lucrative contract too, Neville added: “Manchester United have to show patience with this lad.
“He’ll be on 20/25 goals a season for United… So they have to invest in him.
“Jose Mourinho’s wanted a player who’s ready now to win a league, and he’s not ready now, there’s no doubt about that. But he can go to another level.”
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