Take a pay cut and go: Moaning Martial says he was not happy at Manchester United

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Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has hinted that he hopes a permanent deal can be agreed with loan side Sevilla.

The Frenchman joined the La Liga giants in the January transfer window but Julen Lopetegui’s side don’t have a buy option included in the deal.

The 26-year-old will return to United at the end of the season when a new permanent manager is likely to have been appointed and when there is growing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford.

United’s number nine told interim boss Ralf Rangnick in December of his desire to leave the Reds in the winter window to pursue first team football.

And in an interview with the Guardian, Martial has indicated that he would like to extend his stay in Spain.

Sevilla’s number 22 said: “I asked United to leave because I wanted to play but I still have a contract.

“They know what I want, so we will see at the end of the season.

“I’m just here for the end of the season and that’s it.”

The former Monaco man has recovered from the muscle injury that saw him miss three games and he will return to England to face West Ham in the Europa League last-16 second leg tomorrow night.

Martial has scored six goals against the Hammers, only Everton (7) have had more goals scored against them by the French international.

If Martial is wanting to extend his stay at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán he’s likely going to have to take a significant decrease on his £240,000-per-week wages.

With Martial under contract at Old Trafford until 2024, the Red Devils are going to command a sizeable transfer fee for the man they paid £36m for in 2015.

Although it was reported that Martial was willing to take a pay cut to allow the loan deal to go through, the Europa League side would likely ask their number 22 to reduce his wages further to make any possible permanent deal economically feasible.

Martial, who has one goal and one assist to his name from six Sevilla appearances, has admitted that his struggles this season at Old Trafford had an impact on his enjoyment of football.

Martial said: “I had a lot of options but I talked to the manager [Julen Lopetegui] and with Monchi and I said Sevilla was the best option to play and enjoy football again because I lost it a little bit in Manchester.

“I wasn’t playing and I knew that if I went to Sevilla, I would have the occasion to play and enjoy myself. I feel very good at Sevilla. The city’s very good and we are a good team, so for me it’s perfect. I’m playing so I am happy.”

Martial is loving his football once again and Seville looks to be serving him well, but if he wants to extend his stay with the side who look destined to qualify for next season’s Champions League, he will likely have to make some hefty financial sacrifices.