Ryan Giggs: Rashford, Martial and Pogba need to excite fans
Manchester United boss Mourinho faces a fight to keep Martial, despite the France international jetting out for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.
The player impressed until January last season but, when Alexis Sanchez signed from Arsenal, was unable to force his way back into the team.
The United star’s agent has already claimed his client wants to leave, with Philippe Lamboley saying: “After thinking about all the factors and possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.
“There are lots of factors, and right now it’s too early to talk about them.
“Manchester United want Anthony to extend his deal and do not want him to leave but we have not reached an agreement for several months.”
Man Utd transfer news: Jose Mourinho is ready to stick by Alexis Sanchez next season (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea and Juventus have emerged as frontrunners in the race to lure Martial away from Old Trafford.
And the Manchester Evening News says that, with Sanchez in Mourinho’s plans, Martial may have to settle for a reduced role if he stays put.
The United forward wants to play on the left or down the middle.
But Sanchez, Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku are all above him in the pecking order.
Should Martial stay, it appears more time on the bench is in the offing.
Man Utd transfer news: Anthony Martial will get less game time if he stays (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
And he will be keen to secure first-team football elsewhere after missing out on a spot in France’s World Cup squad.
Meanwhile, Martial and Rashford were both recently urged to step up by United legend Ryan Giggs.
"As a United fan, I want to see exciting football and Antony Martial and Marcus Rashford are exciting players," he told Sky Sports.
"They found it difficult this year with Romelu Lukaku playing centre forward and then with the addition of Alexis Sanchez, there's a lot of options.
"What I said when we bought Alexis was that it could only be good to have a quality player coming to add to that competitive edge, so the likes of Martial and Rashford have to step up to be in the first team."