Inter Target Martial for Free Transfer
Inter have reportedly added Anthony Martial to their shortlist as they prepare for his potential arrival on a free transfer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The French forward is nearing the end of his time at Manchester United, with his contract set to expire this summer. After nearly nine years at Old Trafford, Martial’s United career appears to be winding down in a rather unremarkable fashion. At present, it remains uncertain whether Martial will feature for United again before he departs, having been out of action since December 2023. In January, the club confirmed he would be sidelined for approximately 10 weeks after undergoing surgery to address a groin issue. However, he has yet to be seen in first-team training, leaving his involvement in the final stages of the season in serious doubt. With only seven Premier League games left on the calendar, as well as an FA Cup semi-final, United have a busy run-in. They could even make the FA Cup final for the second consecutive year, though Martial’s absence means his contributions are unlikely to aid the team in their pursuit of silverware.
Since joining United from Monaco in 2015, Martial has struggled to fully live up to the high expectations set for him. His best spell came during the 2019/2020 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, where he formed a dynamic partnership with Marcus Rashford and scored 23 goals while providing 11 assists across all competitions. Unfortunately, that season remains his sole campaign in which he surpassed the 20-goal mark. This season, Martial has started just five matches and made 19 appearances in total, underlining the injury concerns that have plagued much of his time at the club. Inter are keen to bring in reinforcements, and Martial has emerged as a backup option if they fail to secure their primary target, Genoa’s Albert Gudmundsson, who is also attracting interest from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Tyrell Malacia Ruled Out for the Season
Manchester United’s injury woes continue, with Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia now expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a persistent knee meniscus injury. The injury has added to United’s already depleted defensive ranks, with Malacia and first-choice left-back Luke Shaw both suffering from lengthy absences this term. Their injuries have left manager Erik ten Hag with a severely limited squad, particularly in the left-back position, forcing the team to adapt without two of their primary options for the role. Malacia has not featured in any games this season, with his last appearance coming for the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Croatia last June. The 24-year-old’s recovery has been a source of frustration, especially considering other players with similar injuries, such as Amad, have returned much sooner. Amad was sidelined for five months before rejoining the squad in December.
The setback stems from Malacia’s decision to undergo surgery on his knee, reportedly against United’s advice. The club had recommended a surgeon in London, but Malacia opted for his own choice of a surgeon in the Netherlands, a move that delayed his recovery. This independent decision is believed to have contributed to the lengthy layoff. According to The Athletic, Ten Hag feels that Malacia’s absence has been “underestimated” and views it as a key factor in United’s struggles this season. Malacia, who was Ten Hag’s first signing at United for a fee of €17 million from Feyenoord, had the opportunity to play regularly this season due to Shaw’s injury, but unfortunately, his own setbacks have prevented him from capitalising.
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