Rangnick comments on Martial's Man Utd future amid exit talk
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt Manchester United needed to offload Anthony Martial prior to his sacking, reports say. The France international has been at the club ever since arriving from Monaco back in the summer transfer window of 2015. Yet he’s failed to fulfil his potential and, now, a January exit could be on the cards.
Manchester United lost Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie in 2015 before then deciding to bring Martial in from Monaco.
Initially, it seemed a shrewd move. He netted on his debut against Liverpool and sparkled under Louis van Gaal, scoring 17 goals across all competitions as the club won the FA Cup.
Yet in the years since, Martial has struggled for consistency.
The 26-year-old has had some highs at Old Trafford - including in the 2019/2020 campaign when he bagged 23 goals under Solskjaer - but has never lived up to his earlier promise.
Now, with just eight goals over the last 18 months, a parting of the ways is on the cards.
Man Utd news: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to offload Anthony Martial (Image: GETTY)
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And The Athletic say that, prior to his sacking, Solskjaer felt the player should be offloaded with the money then used to reinforce other areas of his squad.
It’s claimed the Norwegian believed this back in the summer, having seen Martial regress last term.
Now, all signs point to the United star leaving the club - potentially as early as next month, when the transfer window reopens.
Any club will have to overcome his high wages, however, with the ex-Monaco star earning a massive £250,000-a-week.
Barcelona are one team who have been linked yet their imminent deal for Manchester City’s Ferran Torres complicates matters.
Man Utd news: Anthony Martial is wanted by Sevilla and Juventus (Image: GETTY)
With the January transfer window nearing, the 26-year-old isn’t the only player who may leave Old Trafford behind.
United would love to offload Phil Jones, who has been at the club ever since arriving from Blackburn Rovers in 2011.
Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba may both be sold if the right offer comes in, with the duo’s contracts due to expire at the end of the season.
And it’s feasible Eric Bailly will jump ship with the Ivory Coast international making just three Premier League appearances this term.
Regarding Martial, Dimitar Berbatov recently urged his former Monaco team-mate to seek clarity over his future.
Man Utd news: Anthony Martial has barely started since Cristiano Ronaldo's return (Image: GETTY)
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“I’m not surprised that Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United,” said Berbatov.
“He is fit and ready to go but he isn’t playing games. Martial is a good player and other clubs will want him.
“I’d encourage Martial to go to Ralf Rangnick’s office and tell him about his pain and say what he wants.
“Martial should have an honest conversation with Rangnick, because that way the player will know exactly where he stands in the team and if he doesn’t like what he hears then he should ask to leave.”
Martial could feature when United lock horns with Newcastle on Monday.