Saiyed Karim
Manchester United have had a busy off-season and have brought in two world class players in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, while it is still expected that more signings are on the way. However, there may be a need for key departures, for the team to be able to fund more moves, or just for the books to balance.
Where top players are mentioned on the exit list, Anthony Martial, ruthless as it may sound, will be on it. It is not a secret that his career has taken a nosedive in the recent seasons. Significantly, this has been contributed to by injuries, and after missing a chunk of last season, maybe a move is good for both parties.
In 2019/20, the forward scored 23 goals to finish as United’s top goal scorer and there followed a lot of reviews and comparisons to France’s former striker Thierry Henry. It hasn’t come to pass, and he hasn’t blossomed to the player most expected.
While at it, injuries haven’t helped. Last season, as he spent time out injured, Edison Cavani blossomed and Mason Greenwood emerged and the duo’s performances dimmed what would have been the best chance for Martial. Getting a starting berth. In light of all these will be very tough and the more reason he may want to look elsewhere.
Cavani scored 17 goals last season, while Greenwood rose from a slow start to score 12 times and provide six assists. With Cavani aging, it is indicated that Greenwood is the replacement being lined up and this leaves 25-year old Martial with a decision to make.
Manchester United hope to make an impact in the Champions League this time, after getting to the latter stages of the Europa League in the last two seasons, having dropped from the Champions League. They will as well take part in the two domestic cup competitions and of course the Premier League, all which SportyTrader football predictions cover.
It has been rumored in some quarters that with Harry Kane seemingly keen on leaving Tottenham Hotspur, Martial may be the man the North London side turns to. Getting a good sum for him and creating space for new arrivals will work for both parties and Manchester United can’t be faulted for trying to think along that line. Still, United have been urged to hijack a possible move for Kane to Manchester City, and using Martial as a bargaining chip could work.
Manchester United have reportedly placed a £50m price tag on Martial and should Spurs sell Kane, they’ll have enough for this move. That is just the amount United paid Monaco to have the striker in 2015.
Italian champions Inter Milan are also said to be interested in bringing Martial on board, with top striker Romelu Lukaku reuniting with Chelsea. However, Inter’s consideration for now is said to be a loan move, which might still work for United, who will in return need Inter to commit to buying him next summer. Still, the £50m rating will stand.
As the new season approaches, and with Cavani yet to return after a busy international period, Martial may provide the stopgap solution for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Marcus Rashford recovering from a shoulder injury.
