In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has declared that Anthony Martial is not for sale, contradicting previous reports that the French forward was surplus to requirements. Back in the summer of 2023, Anthony Martial was reported to be up for sale.
Following a string of underperforming seasons, Anthony Martial’s Manchester United career was deemed to be finished with him being put up for sale. But with recent reports coming about contract extensions in place for a few players and Martial included in that list.
🚨 Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Manchester United are discussing contract extensions for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, and Hannibal Mejbiri.
(Source: @TheAthleticFC) pic.twitter.com/tigtX1LUX3
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 9, 2023
This unexpected announcement has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, raising questions about Martial’s future at the club. With Manchester United’s No.9 contract expiring in the summer of 2024. It will be quite interesting to see how long will he be staying at the club.
Related to these reports, when Ten Hag was asked about these extensions he replied, “It’s absolutely in our mindset, we are discussing things and when we have news, we will bring it.”
Many believe that the player has been a flop signing for Manchester United due to injuries, and there is a desire for him to leave to improve the team’s attacking department.
Anthony Martial’s impact on Manchester United
Since he arrived at the Theatre of Dreams back in the summer of 2015, Anthony Martial has been a confusing signing to most. He charms many with his elegant play but frustrates with his frequent injuries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjVTzsPulbc
When Martial arrived in England, he was asked to face a massive test straight away. On his Premier League debut for Manchester United, he faced their arch-rivals, Liverpool. Initially starting on the bench, Martial came on as a substitute in the 65th minute. He came on as a substitute and scored an excellent solo goal to seal the 3 points for Manchester Reds.
Many believed he would be the solution under Louis van Gaal after his impressive performance. But after his first season, van Gaal was sacked and replaced by an elite coach Jose Mourinho. Under Mourinho, things didn’t go well for Martial as he wasn’t suited well to his play style.
Under Mourinho, Martial played 107 matches across all competitions producing just 44 goal contributions with inconsistent performances. With such performances, in the last summer window under Mourinho, Martial was suggested to leave the club aged 24 years old.
🔸 17 goals (11.74 xG)
🔸 0.53 goals/game
🔸 7 assists
🔸 31 key passes
🔸 8 big chances createdAdmit it or not, we all miss 2019/20 Anthony Martial. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YeEPv8eebc
— Rocco (@UtdRocco) June 17, 2021
Post-Mourinho era, Ole Solksjaer helped the Frenchman revive his career. Under Solksjaer in the 2019/20 seasons, Martial went on to have his best season as he produced 35 goal contributions in just 48 matches played across all competitions.
Being replaced with Edison Cavani in the next season injuries started to wrap him up as well. Since the summer of 2020, Martial has missed 53 matches across all competitions, which has resulted in many becoming frustrated with his unavailability.
Anthony Martial’s legacy at Manchester United is complex and paradoxical. He has been a source of frustration and excitement, a player capable of breathtaking moments but also prone to inconsistency. His future remains uncertain, but his impact on the club is undeniable.