Manchester United have reportedly turned down a bid from Tottenham for Anthony Martial.
According to a report in The Sun, Tottenham have received a major setback in their pursuit of Anthony Martial. Manchester United have rejected a bid from the North London club, with Jose Mourinho having no intentions to sell the French attacker this summer.
Martial has endured a topsy turvy spell as a Manchester United player. The player’s debut season at Old Trafford provided cause for optimism as he scored 17 goals in 49 appearances to end up as the Red Devils’ top scorer in 2015/16.
But, the second season syndrome struck for the Frenchman in 2016/17, as he filtered in and out of the side all through the campaign without getting an extended run of games. In all, Martial played 42 times last season – the majority of which was from the bench – bagging 8 goals and as many assists.
Despite not being an indispensable part of Jose Mourinho’s first-team setup, the player looks set to stay with Manchester United beyond the summer. The Red Devils have received a few bids for Martial in the last few months, with Tottenham being his latest suitors.
Manchester United have refused an offer from Tottenham for Anthony Martial. pic.twitter.com/dOu9JBP53e
— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) August 12, 2017
The Lilywhites have not signed any player this summer, with Kyle Walker’s departure to Manchester City being the only piece of major transfer business for the club in the current window. But, with only a couple of weeks left before the transfer window slams shut, Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly kicking into action.
Attack is believed to be a priority, with little to choose from for the four positions up front beyond Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son. With the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Erik Lamela and Vincent Janssen failing to stamp their authority, the need to recruit a top forward is urgent.
Thus, Martial has emerged as a top target, with his ability to play on the wings as well as a central striker making him a potential asset for Spurs. On top of that, Pochettino’s reputation of moulding young attacking talents into world class players could work in the player’s favour as well.
But, Manchester United have refused to entertain any offers for the 21-year-old, with Mourinho set to hand him a larger role this season. The Portuguese manager has maintained a strict stance on Martial so far, having already rejected the likes of Inter Milan, AS Roma, PSG and Wolfsburg.
And Tottenham are the latest club to receive a setback in their pursuit of the player, meaning Pochettino has to set his sights elsewhere to find an attacking reinforcement before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, Martial is set to stay at Old Trafford, and Manchester United fans would be hoping for a better showing from him this season.
