Manchester United are reportedly considering releasing Anthony Martial if his struggles at Old Trafford continue.
Martial signed for United as a 19-year-old from Monaco in 2015, costing the club an initial fee of around £36 million. That sum increased to around £45 million over time with add-ons.
The Frenchman has started two of United's opening three Premier League fixtures this season, but has failed to score. He netted six goals in 21 appearances last term, and was injured for significant periods of the campaign.
Martial was not sold by Erik ten Hag in the summer, although the Daily Mail claim the club would have considered allowing him to leave if concrete interest from a Saudi Pro League club, or similar, had emerged.The 27-year-old has recently brought up his eight-year anniversary at Old Trafford but, barring a 17-goal haul in the 2019/20 Premier League season, hasn't quite hit the lofty heights that United supporters hoped he would.According to Manchester Evening News writer Samuel Luckhurst, United have an option to extend Martial's contract, which expires in 2024, by a further year.
However, it is added that the club are yet to decide whether to do this, and could release him 'if his stagnation continues'.Martial has scored four goals in all competitions in 2023, having missed the early months of the calendar year through injury.The Frenchman was defended by Ten Hag for his performance in the recent 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, with the United boss describing it as 'very good'.
United legend Roy Keane, however, disagreed and expressed his concern over Martial's perceived lack of impact on the game.
He said on Sky Sports: "Look at Martial, the manager praised him. I don't think he had a kick. He didn't do too much."But fellow United icon Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his 'Five' podcast, explained that Ten Hag and his coaches were impressed with the forward when they first saw him train.
He added: "They were like, 'I see why every manager sees him and rubs their hands together', because the kid's ability is world class. But he can't put it together."
Access our platform effortlessly on-the-go through our user-friendly mobile apps.
𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴. We’re more than just a social platform — from jobs and blogs to events and daily chats, we bring people and ideas together in one simple, meaningful space.
