I felt disrespected by Jose Mourinho for Ryan Giggs decision - then he signed Alexis Sanchez
20.01.2024 - 04:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The end is nigh for Anthony Martial at Manchester United.
Signed for £50million from AS Monaco in 2015, the club are open to receiving offers for the Frenchman during the January transfer window. However, while they do have a 12-month option to extend his contract, him leaving on a free transfer next summer appears to be the most likely scenario.
Martial has had more than enough opportunities to prove his worth at Old Trafford and some would argue he has even outstayed his welcome. The 28-year-old has totted-up 317 outings for United in coming up a decade with 90 goals and 55 assists to show for his efforts.
ALSO READ: Hannibal reveals what teammates said before move
ALSO READ: United plan for Martial in January is already doomed
United owe him nothing more. However, while Martial cannot argue he has been given ample opportunity on the pitch, behind the scenes one or two key decisions still irk the 30-cap international.
Signed by Louis van Gaal - who assigned Martial the No.9 shirt - the Dutchman was replaced 12 months later when Jose Mourinho stepped into the dugout. Mourinho was followed through the door by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and there was a huge decision for the ex-Chelsea manager to make in the changing room.
That did not go Martial's way. Ibrahimovic wrestled away the coveted No.9 and Martial would have to wait around three years before wearing it, once again, despite Mourinho's best attempts to brush over his concern.
"It started with the story of the shirt number," Martial told France Football down the line. During the holidays, he [Mourinho] sends me a message to ask me if I want to take No.11 and he explained to me that it's great because it was worn by the legend Ryan Giggs."
Martial added: "I tell him that