United have been back to winning ways with an injury-time winner against Bournemouth yesterday. Much of it has been credited to the rejuvenated form of Anthony Martial, his best ever goalscoring run in the Premier League, 5 goals in the last 4 games.

Just a few months ago it seemed a matter of when rather than if the talented Frenchman would be heading for pastures new, with questions lingering over his happiness and relationship with the United manager. Mourinho was reportedly open to the idea of letting Martial leave during the summer if the 22-year-old wished to end his Old Trafford career. However, United’s hierarchy was reluctant to let a player of Martial’s caliber depart and amidst interest from several clubs.

However, Martial getting on song has prompted Mourinho to tie down Martial into a long-term deal at United. But there has been recent uncertainty regarding his future at the club, Martial’s current deal runs out in 2019, but the club has an option to extend it for an additional year. The uncertainty surrounding his status led to transfer rumors in the summer reported Martial had turned down several renewal offers.

“One thing is that he’s a talented player. Everybody knows he is. Everybody knows since he was in Monaco that he is a talented player,”

“Another thing is a talented player with consistency and understanding what a football match is in the globality.”

“When you reach that level, or when you are almost reaching that level, is when you become a top player. One thing is top talent, another is a top player. He is now much closer to being a top player.”

“Obviously I would like him to stay. I know the club wants him very much to stay. Hopefully, he is going to stay.”

– Mourinho when asked about Martial’s contract situation.

5️⃣ appearances
4️⃣ goals
2️⃣ Man of the Match awards
1️⃣ Player of the Month

Nicely done, @AnthonyMartial! 😎 pic.twitter.com/0z8S7arjtL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 1, 2018

Martial is a fan-favorite at United and a transfer seems highly unlikely, as the Red Devils spent big on the former Monaco man just a couple of seasons ago. Often being questioned about his work ethic, attitude and deemed a phenomenal talent as he shown glimpses of, from hitting top form last season to being benched following Sanchez’s arrival in January, it has been a mixed couple of seasons for Martial at United.

United managed to tie down Luke Shaw to a new long-term contract following a comeback in his career, The situation between Martial and United seems to be similar and United fans assume Martial is next in contention for a contract extension.

After Luke Shaw won #MUFC's player of the month in August & September, Anthony Martial collects it for October. Some may see it as justification for Mourinho's tough love, but to me it looks like talented young players benefiting from regular game time & improved confidence https://t.co/4aaUj9STy7

— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) November 1, 2018

It hardly seems a coincidence that these rumors have surfaced just days after his brace against Chelsea taking his tally to five goals in the last four league games. That gives Martial some leverage entering into renewed contract extension talks with the club and the time to get an improved contract out of the situation seems most ideal.