After Romelu Lukaku left Manchester United for Inter Milan in 2019, Anthony Martial got the number 9 jersey at Old Trafford. There was the belief that Martial was the man to lead the line for the Red Devils.
And it looked like that was the case indeed, with the Frenchman enjoying a brilliant campaign. According to stats from Transfermarkt, Martial scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances in the 2019/20 season. In terms of goal contributions, it was the best season of his career till now.
Thus, there was the feeling that he could be the long-term answer up top for the Red Devils. But in the following 2020/21 season, the striker struggled with both form and fitness, and could not match the heights of his previous campaign. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he contributed 7 goals and 9 assists last season.
As a result, there have been rumours all summer about a possible Old Trafford exit for Martial. And the name of Inter Milan has emerged in the race recently.
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Martial has been linked with a Manchester United exit this summer
With Lukaku joining Chelsea from Inter Milan this summer, the Italian giants must be looking for a striker to fill the Belgian’s boots. And those are big boots for sure considering he was one of the biggest reasons behind them winning the Serie A title last season. Thus, they have been recently linked with a move for Martial.
But as reported by Sky Sports, Manchester United will not let the French forward leave this summer and he is believed to be part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans.
The two clubs have recently been involved in quite a few transfers. But it looks like that won’t be the case when it comes to Martial.
At 25 years of age, Martial is set to enter his prime as a footballer. And following a disappointing 2020/21 season, one would expect him to have a lot to prove and rediscover his form. He made his first start of this pre-season against Everton last weekend. He looked good and ready to go.
Manchester United host Leeds United in the opening matchday of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign. As it stands, Martial would be expected to lead the line in that game.