Manchester United to sell Anthony Martial to help fund Gareth Bale transfer
By Ollie Slack
Manchester United are reportedly willing to sell French starlet Anthony Martial in order to fund a deal for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale. I’ll be dissecting this rumour and also giving my opinion on whether I think it would be a good move.
According to The Mirror, Jose Mourinho has lost patience with Anthony Martial and is willing to listen to offers for him. This would then give United the required funds to bring long-term target Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.
This isn’t the first time Martial has been linked with a move away from the Theatre Of Dreams. Last month The Mirror once again reported that Martial would be on his way out. They claimed Jose Mourinho would listen to offers for the 22-year old in a mass summer clear out.
The Daily Mail released news that Juventus would be plotting a £57 million pound move for Martial, in the same week his agent said this, when speaking to Ilbianconero.com: “I can’t confirm Martial will remain at Old Trafford next season, I am sorry but I can’t add anything else about it.”
Anthony Martial’s frustrating season
Manchester United fans didn’t take this well on social media. Although I would not like Mourinho to cash in on Martial, his consistency is incredibly frustrating.
Martial and Rashford have constantly been rotated throughout the season. This has led to United not knowing their best starting XI with no constant on the left-hand side. Whenever either player came off the bench, they would tend to perform. However, when given the opportunity to start the next, neither stepped up.
Martial’s performances in the big games has let him down this season too. In all of Manchester United’s matches against the top six, Martial has only played a full 90 minutes twice.
Martial doesn’t help himself either. His body language is so negative. He appears not to care, moping around the pitch as lazily as Ozil. A manager like Mourinho who demands are so high in work ethic and commitment, this can’t be something the Portuguese man enjoys watching.
Reaction to the transfer
As the summer transfer window edges closer, the rumour mill starts to turn again. And a summer transfer window wouldn’t be the same without the annual link to Gareth Bale. It’s more consistent than a Christmas card from your family.
Bale to Manchester United has been meaning to happen for years. Back before when he moved to Madrid and Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the roost at Old Trafford. Hence, I doubt the three-times Champions League winner will come to Manchester United this summer.
However, he is 28. Perfect age for Mourinho. And what Mourinho wants, he tends to get. But the winger has only played 30-plus games in a league season once for Real Madrid. It’s an understatement to say his fitness would be a concern.
So why continue to go for Martial? Martial’s mannerisms are not what Mourinho desires. And given Louis Van Gaal signed, Mourinho will be less willing to pursue his talent.
Mourinho doesn’t necessarily wait for talent anyway. If Rashford and Lingard weren’t Manchester born, I’m sure he would come down a lot harder on them.
Whether Martial leaves this summer, I’m not too sure. But I am confident Jose Mourinho will sign another winger that is at a ripe age. Therefore Martial needs to finish the season strong if he wants to stick around.