Martial’s time at Old Trafford appears almost up
Anthony Martial is keen to leave Manchester United in January in search of regular football, his agent has claimed.
The French international endured a difficult season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last campaign, managing seven goals in 35 appearances. Most of his nine appearances this season have come as a substitute and he has only scored once.
Martial is said to be unhappy at his lack of playing time and eager to find a new club when the window opens next month.
“Anthony wishes to leave the club in January,” Philippe Lamboley, executive director of USFA Management, told Sky Sports.
“He just needs to play. He doesn’t want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon.”
Martial, now 26, joined United as a teenager from Monaco in 2015. Having signed a new deal in 2019, he has three years left to run on his current contract at Old Trafford, which also has the option for an additional year.
Ralf Rangnick is said to have told United’s hierarchy that strengthening midfield should be a priority in the months to come, with Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips one three targets the German has identified.
While the newly appointed interim manager has been given the green light to explore possible January arrivals, the squad’s bloated size means outgoings are more likely than any significant arrivals.
With United particularly stacked with options in the forward positions, Martial appears to be one of the most likely departures should the right offer be received.
Newcastle United have already been linked with a January move for him as the Saudi-backed relegation battlers look set to strengthen their squad in a bid to beat the drop in the second half of the season.
Donny van de Beek and Jesse Lingard may also be allowed to leave United, as could be the case with Paul Pogba. The World Cup winner is set to enter the final six months of his contract with United, meaning he will be eligible to leave for free in the summer if United don’t cash in next month.
Discussions over a new contract with Pogba have taken place, but it seems unlikely at this moment in time that the midfielder will decide to prolong his second spell in Manchester.
Related news:
- Newcastle United planning to raid Man United’s bench for four players in January window
- Kalvin Phillips one of three midfielders targeted by Ralf Rangnick
- Wan-Bissaka and Shaw have a ‘hell of a job’ getting in Rangnick’s team, claims Ferdinand
