The rumour is out there, and everyone is talking about it. There is a REAL chance Anthony Martial leaves Manchester United sooner than later.
Okay, maybe not real per se. He is not transfer listed, and is not like teams are making offers for the talented French forward. But there has been a lot of speculation regarding his future of late. Martial has emerged as a competent player in Mourinho’s system this season, and has been very productive despite a lack of playing time. The numbers back that up, as the former Monaco starlet has three goals and two assists in six Premier League appearances, although only one of those has come as a starter.
If we add all competitions into the mix, then Martial has five goals and four assists in nine appearances. That’s quite good for a 21-year-old who does not start on a regular basis. But that lack of playing time has Martial considering his options. The World Cup is inching closer, and he faces stiff competition for a spot in the French squad. And the only way he will get consideration is if he plays regularly.
Which Teams Have Made An Approach For Anthony Martial?
Several teams have emerged as alternatives in the coming days. It has been said that Arsenal are planning a big-money move for Martial, although it is hard to imagine Manchester United selling him to another top club in the Premier League. FC Barcelona has been discussed as an alternative as well. But what would he bring to Barcelona? He would essentially fight with Ousmane Dembele for a spot on the left wing, as he is not going to remove Luis Suarez or Lionel Messi from the starting XI.
Ivan Rakitic would be a decent return for Martial, there is no doubt about it. But United have four world-class midfielders that can operate in Rakitic’s role. And while there is a plethora of attacking options as well on the left wing to compete with Martial, few players have been as productive as him considering the lack of playing time.
Ultimately, there is a thing about potential here. As we stated above, Martial is a 21-year-old player who is already proving his worth in the Premier League. He has not even scratched the surface of his potential yet. And while Mourinho is usually not keen on giving young players much of a chance, Martial is turning him around. The same way Marcus Rashford has done. Both Martial and Rashford – along with Romelu Lukaku – should be building blocks for the future.
So yes, there will be offers for Martial. And some of the big teams in the world will likely offer him a chance to feature on a more regular basis. But let’s be clear on one thing. Anthony Martial SHOULD NOT LEAVE, and Manchester United SHOULD NOT LET HIM GO. He is a young, exciting, proven player. One who has enough talent to become one of the best forwards in the world in the near future.
And one does not sell those players just because you can cash out on them.
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