Was Anthony Martial signed at the behest of Louis van Gaal or Ed Woodward and the Manchester United board?
The French striker was arrived from Monaco for £36m before the close of last summer’s transfer window. He was supposed to be a prospect for the future but has ended up playing 37 times, scoring 13 goals and setting up three more for teammates.
The cavalry has finally arrived, in the teenage form of Marcus Rashford, and Martial is finishing the season strongly.
His form may yet deliver a stay of execution for van Gaal, especially if United secure Champions League football again. Some reports, however, have the Dutchman walking away during the summer regardless of United’s final league position.
Jose Mourinho is said to have signed a pre-contract agreement with United and the club will reportedly be on the hook for £5m [€6.4m] if they do not exercise it.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Martial was asked about the strong rumours linking the former Chelsea boss to arrival at Old Trafford. He replied:
“As long as the current coach is there, I don’t think about it.
“If Mourinho must arrive, he will arrive. For the moment the coach is still there.
“Every coach has their good and bad sides. Van Gaal has given me a lot of confidence and I try hard to pay it back to him every day.”
Pretty much what Martial should respond. He is an employee of Manchester United Football Club, a public limited company, after all.
Interesting to hear a United player mention Mourinho’s name out loud.
