Bharath Rammr
Jose Mourinho may have just given up on striker Anthony Martial, as it has been reported (Independent.ie) that the manager is ready to listen to offers for the French striker. Martial was one of the several United players who came under scrutiny last season, as Mourinho tried to come to terms with the squad that he inherited from Louis Van Gaal. The striker may have cost the club in excess of £40 million – and may continue to cost more in the near future – after his signing from French outfit Monaco, but he has been a major disappointment after managing only 25 goals in 91 appearances for the club in the last two years.
While Martial may point out to the fact that he has played out wide more often than not, he also made his name while playing in this position for Monaco. Martial was being labelled as the next Thierry Henry and this was a major factor behind United offering such an extravagant transfer fee for a teenager. Learning about the club not be entirely happy with the Frenchman, Spanish outfit Sevilla came in with a loan offer during the January transfer window. The Spanish outfit also intended to make the move permanent if Martial was a success in the La Liga. However, Jose Mourinho refused to let the player leave the club and wanted to give him another six months in order to prove his quality.
Martial had more of first-team opportunities in the second half of season. He finished the campaign with just four goals and six assists in 25 league appearances. He has not only struggled in the Premier League, he only managed one goal in 10 Europa League games for the club. Manchester United are set to undergo a major squad overhaul in order to transform the club in the identity of Jose Mourinho, and it seems that Martial does not fit into the plans anymore. The player has been made aware that he may be allowed to leave the club if a suitable offer comes.
The Frenchman will struggle to get the same kind of interest from Sevilla, who may have finished the Champions League places but there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding their manager Jorge Sampaoli. The Argentine has been linked with the vacant managerial job in the Argentina national team, and his departure could eventually in the Sevilla’s interest in Martial.
However, Martial is unlikely to be short of interest but the stumbling blocks could be Champions League football and the transfer fee on offer.
