According to Italian newspaper La Repubblica via the Manchester Evening News, AC Milan are monitoring the situation of Anthony Martial, but Jose Mourinho cannot afford to lose the Frenchman now that he cannot sign a replacement.

What's the story?

The 5ft 11in tall Martial was linked with a move away all summer and incurred the wrath of Mourinho, who fined the 22-year-old after he missed the final two games of United's preseason tour of the United States for the birth of his child.

Among AC Milan's eight signings so far this summer are forwards Fabio Borini and Gonzalo Higuain, but La Repubblica have suggested that the Serie A giants are keen to add a marquee signing this summer.

Martial joined United in the summer of 2015 for £36m, making him the most expensive teenager in British football. His game time last season was limited though, making just 30 Premier League appearances (18 of which were starts).

Early window troubles

The Manchester Evening News revealed in May that United had held talks with Willian's representatives before the transfer window had even opened, but a deal for the Brazilian never materialised. Having failed to sign a replacement, United now must fight to keep hold of Martial.

There is no doubt that the youngster has the talent to become a huge success in the Premier League and according to The Guardian, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward was the man who fought to keep Martial at the club, believing that Mourinho was taking a short-term view rather than planning for the future.

Having not signed an attacking player this summer, Mourinho must now integrate Martial into his squad and make use of the young French international's talent in the club's bid to win the top flight title for the first time since 2013.

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