Anthony Martial 'wants assurances over playing time before signing new Manchester United deal'

The 26-year-old impressed for the Red Devils during pre-season and had seemingly been set to start the campaign as the team's number one centre-forward.

However, the France international missed the team's opening two Premier League games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford due to a hamstring problem.

Martial played 45 minutes of the victory over Liverpool on August 22 but then missed the next three league matches, having picked up an Achilles issue.

The attacker was back on the bench against Manchester City on Sunday and scored twice in the latter stages of his side's 6-3 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side.

Martial's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024, although the 20-time English champions have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months.

Man United are said to be keen to speak to the former Monaco youngster about a new contract, with the club's head coach Erik ten Hag viewing him as an important player moving forward.

However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Martial wants assurances over playing time at Old Trafford before committing his future to the club.

"Some fans were surprised to see Cristiano Ronaldo staying on the bench for this game, and Martial preferred by Erik ten Hag, but it's been the case for some time now that the new manager has been keen to give the Frenchman a chance to show what he can do," wrote Romano in his column for CaughtOffside.

"Ten Hag has always been happy with Martial since some strong performances in July pre-season and he's still considered an important player for the club. Of course, before progressing on a new contract, Martial wants to make sure to have enough game time and this will be the key point."

A recent report claimed that both Sevilla and Valencia were keeping a close eye on Martial's situation in Manchester with a view to potentially signing him.

The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, only managing one goal and one assist in 12 appearances for Julen Lopetegui's side during a disappointing spell.

Martial joined the Red Devils from Monaco in September 2015, and he has represented the club on 271 occasions in all competitions, contributing 81 goals and 51 assists in the process.

Both Marcus Rashford and Martial are seemingly ahead of Ronaldo in the pecking order for the centre-forward spot at Old Trafford, which could lead to the Portuguese leaving during the January transfer window.