‘Better than Rashford’, – fans not happy at possible Martial departure

By Mark Weasley

Anthony Martial wants to leave this summer, according to his agent.

The inverted wide man has found himself on the fringes under Jose Mourinho, with whom he reportedly does not have the easiest relationship.

The 22-year-old’s last goal for us was an impressive strike in the 1-0 win at Burnley in January which, coincidentally or not, came the week before Alexis Sanchez signed, after which the Frenchman has started just five Premier League games.

Mourinho believes that Martial, who has scored 36 times in 136 games since joining in 2015, can improve, but the player wants more game time. Phillipe Lamboley, who represents Martial says that talks over a new contract at the Theatre of Dreams have reached an impasse.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Lamboley said, “After thinking about all the possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United, there are many scenarios. For now, it’s premature to talk about it. Anthony will speak later to explain all of this.

“Manchester United want to extend Anthony’s contract and do not want him to leave, but we have not been able to find an agreement for several months.

“I think that when Manchester United – which is the most powerful club in the world, it must be remembered – do not find an agreement in eight months of negotiations, it is because they do not really want to make him an important member of the team.”

He added. Below are some of the best reactions about his agent’s latest admission.

Mourinho has ruined a significant part of this club’s future with this Martial sale. Really is painful to take. #mufc

— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) June 13, 2018

People talk about Martial FC and all that but the real issue is the Mourinho FC fan boys! Can’t take any criticism of Jose and think you’re only a real fan if you never say anything against Jose #MUFC

— SHIRAZ (@shiraznawaz) June 14, 2018

If Martial insist on leaving, then #Mufc should either use him as a make weight for replacements like PSG's Mbappe, Bale, Di Maria…

— AMB Chidiebere MFR™ (@Diebere7) June 14, 2018

Could be just Martial’s agent doing what agents do stairing the shit to get a new bumper contract #mufc

— Jfield (@jfield03) June 14, 2018

Personally hope Martial stays at United. 11 goals and 10 assists before the arrival of Sanchez. I do feel he’s not been treated fairly. Tactical restrictions do not help either. Big mistake if he leaves as will prosper enormously at a more free flowing side. Bad move Jose #mufc pic.twitter.com/8tRLdfokBY

— Luke Beasley (@Beasley86Luke) June 14, 2018

Martial was bought as a striker hardly ever played as a striker but really never took his chances in the team, in my opinion he’s better than rashford and should of started more games #mufc

— uǝʌǝʇS (@Sparky2857) June 14, 2018

The club and player have been in contract extension talks for the past 8 months, with no resolution reached. He started the season impressively but paid the price for poor post-January form by missing out on France’s World Cup squad.

Martial has been linked to the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea, though United will be open to him moving abroad, with Juventus another possible suitor.

While it would be a shame to see a prodigious talent leave, it is difficult to see him and Mourinho working in harmony.