Mellow Martial
Manchester United players are enjoying their run of form under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but none more than Anthony Martial, according to reports.
The Daily Star says that working with Solskjaer has “elevated” Martial’s mood and that as a result, the French frontman is likely to sign a new deal with the club.
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It was no secret that Martial was unhappy under the regime imposed by Jose Mourinho, continues the newspaper, which claims that the Portuguese deemed Martial “surplus to requirements”.
Solskjaer, on the other hand, values the skill set of the 23-year-old, leaving the former Monaco man “happy again at the club after starting regularly”.
Talks about a new deal are pending, but United are increasingly confident that Martial will stay at Old Trafford.
De Gea set for new deal
United certainly have the “feel-good factor” under Solskjaer, and fans of the Red Devils will be made even happier by reports that David de Gea is to sign a new contract.
The Daily Mirror says the Spaniard goalkeeper is “ready to commit himself to a new deal”, following the big changes made by the club in order to get “back to the top”.
Bergwijn bid?
The Mirror is also reporting that United are keeping tabs on PSV Eindhoven sharpshooter Steven Bergwijn, ahead of “submitting a £25m bid later this month”.
The 21-year-old has been in fine form this season, with nine goals in 16 appearances for the Dutch outfit, and the newspaper says Solskjaer is “a big fan”. PSV play FC Emmen on Sunday, and it is claimed that United scouts “will be in the stands to keep a close eye on him”.
McTominay in demand
Another decision expected to be made by Solskjaer this month concerns the short-term future of midfielder Scott McTominay.
The Scotland international has made just seven Premier League appearances this campaign, failing to build on his impressive breakthrough season of 2017-18.
Although United are said to believe the 22-year-old has much potential, they are prepared to loan him out rather than see him rot in the reserves.
According to the Daily Express, Newcastle are the front runners to secure McTominay’s services, with manager Rafa Benitez an admirer of the young Scot.
The Daily Record adds that Scottish clubs Celtic and Aberdeen are also interested in a loan move for McTominay.
Premier League fixtures
Saturday 19 January (3pm unless stated)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leicester City (12.30, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Newcastle United vs. Cardiff City
- Southampton vs. Everton
- Watford vs. Burnley
- Arsenal vs. Chelsea (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 20 January
- Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester City (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4pm, live on Sky Sports)
