Aheed Abrar
Frank Leboeuf feels the future of Anthony Martial lies away from Manchester United
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been told that he should have left the club in the recent transfer window by French icon Frank Leboeuf. The ex-defender does not see the 26-year-old get into Didier Deshamps’ squad that is set to travel to Qatar next month.
Martial has had a mixed season with the Red Devils. While he has contributed positively to the team, the former AS Monaco star has struggled to keep himself fit for contention.
Speaking to FairBettingSites (h/t Metro), Leboeuf expressed confusion at Martial opting to stay at United this season. The former Chelsea defender feels his compatriot will find it hard to get into the starting lineup in Manchester.
“Anthony Martial won’t be at the World Cup in my view, there’s too many other options and players who are playing more. He should have left Manchester United last summer. I don’t know why he didn’t, but his future is not at Old Trafford.”
“Right now, it’s Marcus Rashford and if it’s not him then it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. We’ll see Martial in the Europa League, he’ll get some chances but probably only because Ronaldo is being punished.”
Martial has failed to hit the heights many fans expected him to when he signed for the Old Trafford side in the summer of 2015. In the last few campaigns, the 26-year-old has struggled to find the back of the net.
Last season, the striker hardly got a look-in in the team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and decided to try his luck in Spain with Sevilla. The French national joined the Andalusian club on loan in January 2022. However, he failed to make the most of it.
On his return to United, though, Martial has seemingly gained the trust of Erik ten Hag. After an impressive pre-season, supporters were excited to see him play regularly. However, recurring niggles have meant that the striker has not had enough opportunities.
Even though the 26-year-old has not been able to get on the pitch a lot, in the little time he has played under the Dutch manager, the French national has made an impact.
Martial has contributed a goal or an assist in every match he has featured in this season. In four appearances in the 2022/23 campaign in all competitions, the forward has chipped in with three goals and two assists.
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The Frenchman has not been an afterthought under Ten Hag. On the contrary, the Dutch manager has favoured the 26-year-old over Cristiano Ronaldo when he has been fit. Hopefully, the former Monaco star will be able to put aside his injury woes and contribute even more to our play.
