It has been a turbulent year for Manchester United‘s executive vice chairman Ed Woodward. After the infamous summer transfer window, fans’ calls for Woodward’s resignation were strong. The club’s not-so-great start to the season has put more pressure on both José Mourinho and Woodward to turn around its fortunes in upcoming matches.
United’s form in the Premier League has started to dip – the humbling defeat by rival City and the 0-0 match against Crystal Palace have only furthered this case. Manchester United did win in the Champions League but it was only last minute, with Marouane Fellaini saving the day.
The only player to have grabbed the spotlight in this run is Anthony Martial. His recent goal scoring form has made his new contract top-priority. Martial’s current form brings about a ray of hope; all is not lost between the players and Mourinho.
The forward has been United’s go-to man in the current months, and he deserves nothing less than a rewarding new contract after rising magnificently to the occasion when called on. Tying the Frenchman to a new contract would keep all potential suitors at bay, showing that United is certainly moving in the right direction.
Another player who MUFC should look to tie down is their two-year Player of the Season David de Gea. Although he hasn’t been the top call for this season, he still remains one of the first names on the team sheet every week. Recent reports suggest positive negotiations between both parties, but it remains a deal unaccomplished.
After Real Madrid signed Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea, it was almost confirmed that de Gea was going nowhere. If United fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, the Spanish goalkeeper may think of moving away, what with teams like Juventus and PSG out in search for a new goalkeeper. Woodward has his work cut out for him, with whipping up a new contract for de Gea being high priority.
Tying down Martial and de Gea to new contracts would be a major relief for Woodward, giving out a clear signal to rival clubs. Although Manchester United have been able to retain Luke Shaw to a long-term contract, it seems to be the best plan of action for the Red Devils to hold on to two more superstars and build the team around them.
