Anthony Martial expected to leave Manchester United
Anthony Martial is expected to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to The Athletic.
The Frenchman has endured a frustrating time at United despite being bought for £36 million as the most expensive teenager in world football once upon a time.
His time at United looked to be over a few seasons ago when he was loaned out to Sevilla, who decided not to purchase him.
His return to the side saw him catch Erik Ten Hag’s attention last season. Yet even when the Dutchman had faith in establishing him as a starting striker, his lack of fitness restricted him to limited game time in 2022/23.
Martial featured in 21 Premier League games, starting just 11 times and was subbed off in every single one. He did manage to score 6 goals, but under normal circumstances is nowhere near the standards of a Manchester United player.
Soon enough, Ten Hag had enough of the lack of availability and bought Rasmus Højlund in the summer. The Dane has not scored in the Premier League so far but has looked more in sync and encouraging without the goals than Martial has looked with them.
Martial has looked a shadow of himself this season due to the lack of pace in his game. With this gone, so has his link up play and it was his greatest attribute even when he was not scoring.
Therefore, United look to be set to cut their ties with a player who has so much unfulfilled potential rooted from the fairytale start he had by scoring the winner in a 3-1 win against Liverpool in 2015 from the substitute bench.
The 28 year old will now either look to move in January or more likely leave in the summer for free. With the transfer window soon opening, he will be able to negotiate an agreement with other clubs starting next month.
Red Devil Armada’s verdict:
It’s a story with a bitter ending. The promise has been reignited so many times, only for the hype to wither away due to inconsistencies in his play or injuries.
It is the right decision to cut the ropes loose with this one. United will be looking to reduce the wage bill in the summer and with the new INEOS management coming in soon, not even Joel Glazer, long term admirer of Martial, could sanction off another contract for the Frenchman.