Anthony Martial’s ‘days are numbered’ at Old Trafford after Manchester United co-owner Joel Glazer sanctioned his sale in the summer, according to reports.
Martial, 25, struggled with form last season and failed to live up to his price tag since his initial £36m move from Monaco in 2015.
The United forward only managed a goalscoring return of seven in 36 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season.
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And Martial, whose contract expires in 2024, missed the remainder of United’s season due to a ruptured knee ligament injury picked up on international duty with France.
The former Monaco star has started only one Premier League match for United this season, but he could be shown the door next summer.
Lyon reportedly made a move for Martial on deadline day, but the Frenchman turned down the approach in a bid to fight for his United career.
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The Daily Mirror now reports that Martial is on United’s chopping block after Glazer was prepared to sanction the transfer to Lyon.
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Glazer has reportedly been a huge admirer of Martial and even saw him as United’s ‘Pele.’
The 54-year-old American even ‘thwarted United’s bid to sign Ivan Perisic under Jose Mourinho due to his complete belief in Martial.’
However, Glazer might be prepared to sell the France international after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, which ‘may force him to accept Martial has not delivered on their investment.’
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford, along with the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, could see Martial’s playing time at United significantly reduced.
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United hero Dimitar Berbatov has admitted that he is “more concerned” with Martial’s role at the Red Devils after the signing of Ronaldo.
He told Betfair: “I think [Mason] Greenwood is in a good position right now, he's the future of the team for sure and he's someone who could definitely be given more playing time because for me he's a natural finisher. He can only get better as long as he plays and I don't think his place is in question.
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“I actually think Martial is going to have a big question mark over his head and I'm probably more concerned about that.
“[Marcus] Rashford is someone who also is born and bred in Manchester and I think he'll be fine and [Edinson] Cavani also has his place and that's why I'm curious to see how he's going to rotate everyone.
“Is Ronaldo going to play every game or is he going to come in as a substitute sometimes? Is he going to be rested sometimes as well because the schedule is tight in the Premier League?
“Of course, when you are 36, you are more mature and you know that the team comes first and maybe sometimes you will sit on the bench or come on as a sub.
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“Ronaldo would probably like to play every game but he knows that sometimes he will need to sacrifice himself for the team.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Anthony Martial, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football