Worrying news for Manchester United fans.
After the dizzying excitement of a comeback victory over Manchester City on Saturday, United supporters will be concerned at the latest developments surrounding Anthony Martial’s future.
According to Mohamed Bouhafsi, one of the most reliable reporters when it comes to transfers, the Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford in the summer. Notably, Bouhafsi was the first man to break the news that Martial would join United in the summer of 2016. He also broke the Angel Di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain story.
In other words, this is the most compelling evidence yet that Martial has his heart set on departing the club.
It was telling on Saturday that, while Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez came alive in the second half against their arch-rivals, Martial looked on from the bench. And, while Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Victor Lindelof all got the call from Mourinho, Martial remained. It was the same story during the 2-0 win over Swansea the week before, with Martial again an unused sub as Rashford, McTominay and Ander Herrera emerged from the dugout.
So, a story coming out about Martial’s disgruntlement over a lack of opportunities was always a possibility, but that it has come from a reporter of such credibility should be concerning for United fans.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/983701739290447872
According to Bouhafsi, Martial has refused the club’s offer of a contract extension after growing agitated at a lack of playing time. His relationship with Mourinho has deteriorated and the 22-year-old forward believes he can comfortably secure a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs should he leave in the summer. Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham are the potential suitors mentioned in the report.
The France international has also been linked with PSG in the past.
While Martial is clearly a player of tremendous natural talent, his inability to deliver on a consistent basis has been a source of frustration for Mourinho. Interestingly, The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports that Mourinho is weighing up the prospect of letting Martial leave in the summer.
Where Delaney’s report differs from Bouhafsi’s is the claim that Martial’s preference would be to stay at Old Trafford. According to Delaney, Juventus are closely monitoring developments and are keen on striking a deal with the player.
