Pranav Nair
Carlton Palmer: Anthony Martial to stay put at Manchester United
According to This is Futbol, English pundit Carlton Palmer has dismissed the notion of Manchester United parting ways with Anthony Martial this summer.
The French international has all the ability in the world but is yet to cement himself as a regular first XI player at United. He started last season as the club’s first-choice striker but injuries and poor form saw him fall down the pecking order. Veteran forward Edinson Cavani is likely to be United’s man up front this summer, once again putting Martial in the role of a challenger.
The 25-year-old has his share of suitors who would only be happy to take him off our hands. Tottenham Hotspur were linked with him early this summer while Everton and Inter Milan are currently pursuing a loan switch.
Palmer, however, believes Martial is a key player in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans and will go nowhere this summer. Despite underperforming massively last time around, he believes the Frenchman has an integral role to play in the season to come.
“I think that’s just rumours about Solskjaer not being keen on him.”
While he admits that the player has not lived up to his potential, Palmer has also underlined his ability to hit top gear and become a gamechanger. The Frenchman is certainly a confident player and one good performance is all that could be needed to get his morale up.
“I think Martial is going to be very, very important for them this season.”
It is not impossible to see Martial stay put if we do not bring in more attacking reinforcements this summer. While Jadon Sancho has been an excellent capture, he cannot be expected to start every game.
More so, adding Marcus Rashford’s absence and Cavani’s age and Martial will get enough opportunities to impress. Whether he shows enough to suggest he has a future at the club remains to be seen.
More Manchester United News
- Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Kieran Trippier this summer
- Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho are set to undergo Manchester United fitness programme
- Transfer News: Newcastle and Aston Villa eye loan deal for Manchester United ace Axel Tuanzebe
Martial has clearly received numerous opportunities to stake his claim for a first XI spot at United. Oscillating between the ridiculous and the sublime, the Frenchman has to get his act together. Consistency is as key as ability at the top level and Martial could very well be on his last chance to prove it at Old Trafford.
