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Martial 'keen' to stay at Manchester United for the fans

Reuters / Andrew Yates Livepic

Anthony Martial has reiterated that he wants to stay at Manchester United because of the club's fan base.

The French forward is struggling to justify the fee paid to AS Monaco by Jose Mourinho's predecessor, Louis van Gaal, in 2015 - believed to be worth £58 million after add-ons - as he's followed last season's 29 starts with just 11 so far this term.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undeniably the first choice to spearhead the attack, but Martial has been further pushed out of consideration by the likes of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford, and Jesse Lingard. His bit-part role had led to speculation that Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla were interested in acquiring the 21-year-old.

"For me, what's really special here is the supporters. They've been really outstanding with me," Martial told Inside United magazine.

"I think that's what goes a long way to making me feel at home and at ease, and makes me really keen to stay here at the club."

Martial notes a more positive atmosphere in England than what he was accustomed to in his homeland. Monaco isn't known for attracting big crowds, but those that did gather tended to bring a negative atmosphere if things weren't working out for the attackers.

"In France, even if you're one of the best players around, they might begin to boo and jeer you if you go a couple of games without scoring," Martial said. "But here it's just the opposite, they'll try to cheer you on so you might be able to score, and so then you grow in confidence.

"I think it's just a different mentality. That's why I like the fans here so much."

Martial was overlooked for France's latest World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg and a friendly with Spain, so he'll hope to return to senior matters in a Premier League visit from West Bromwich Albion on April 1.

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