Ole Gunnar Solskjaer convinced Anthony Martial to stay at Manchester United with chat about Cristiano Ronaldo
Martial signed a new five-year Old Trafford contract on Thursday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he told Anthony Martial to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo before the forward signed his new contract with Manchester United.
Martial committed to another five years at Old Trafford on Thursday despite months of speculation regarding his long-term future at the club.
The 23-year-old appeared to be edging towards the exit last summer after falling out of favour under Solskjaer’s predecessor Jose Mourinho.
However, Mourinho’s dismissal in December brought about progress in negotiations between Martial’s representatives and the club.
After Thursday’s new contract was announced, Martial thanked Solskjaer for showing “belief” in him, despite only working with the Norwegian for six weeks.
When asked to explain his input on negotiations with Martial, Solskjaer said he had talked with the France international about imitating United great Ronaldo.
“Well of course I speak about my experience at this club, what he can achieve at this club because I think I can achieve a lot,” Solskjaer said.
“As I have said many times, I’m here to help players, to guide players until the summer.
“I think when you sit him down and talk to him, for example, about Cristiano’s career, what he’s made of his career and how he’s got there and we talk about all the fantastic players with the history they’ve got, I think Anthony just sat down and said: ‘If I can be a part of this I’d like to’.
“I believe and the club believes we have got a top player there,” Solskjaer added.
“I’ve been here for 15 years, coach, player, now manager and I know how much this club can give to your career and what you can give to the club.
“I’m here to help the club and I’m just being honest with him that for me this was the best place to be, I made my career here, it was easy to sell the club to Anthony but he’s been here for many years so he knows what we’re capable of.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments